To make the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long more attractive

Efficient improvement of potential historical- cultural value of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, particularly in tourism, is the most sustainable way of heritage conservation.

Stone dragons in Kinh Thien Palace- the central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long– Photo: Duc Loi

Within framework of Project supported by UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust, Vietnamese and Japanese scientists made a study of socio-economic values of the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the world cultural heritage.

A scientific conference has just been held for Vietnamese and Japanese scientists to share information and exchange their opinions on results of the project; thereby heightening interest and knowledge in order to contribute to the conservation and improvement of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long heritage.

The study team considered and recommended orientations on efficient improvement of potentials of the heritage.

Professor Yoshiharu Tsuboi (Waseda University, Japan) highly appreciated Vietnamese Government’s zoning of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long conservation. However, larger support is required to carry out in-depth study and establish advertisement strategies of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

According to Professor Tsuboi, it is very necessary to strengthen the relationship between the people and the heritage, putting this content into extra-curriculum education programs from primary to high schools so that Vietnamese children acknowledge that their ancestors built great works.

According to M.A Nguyen Quang Ha under Thang Long- Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, reinforcement of souvenir exploitation (hats, shirts, appliances, decoration items, restored exhibits…) is both as service and as way of heritage advertisement.

Moreover, according to Mr. Nguyen Quang Ha, together with the heritage conservation, to make the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long be bright, we need continually to study and restore festivals and ceremonies of Thang Long Palace such as the Quang Chieu colored lantern festival, Nhan Vuong festival, Thien Phat festival, La Han festival, Bao Thap inauguration ceremony, troop departure ceremony, winning ceremony, enthronement ceremony… In the future, after relatively full restoration of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, this can be special studio to reconstitute historical movies to serve the young generation’s demand of historical study.

MA. Tran Dang Hieu also recommended some measures, which link tourism companies with the heritage management board to develop tours of visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Minh Anh