More than a visual spectacle, the program affirmed that this millennium-old heritage remains vibrant and fully attuned to the pulse of the contemporary era on Hanoi’s land of enduring culture.
Under the theme “Echoes of the Ly Dynasty,” the program recreates the prosperous and glorious period of the Ly Dynasty, the era that laid the foundation for Thang Long as the political and cultural center of the nation. By connecting heritage with technology, the experience immerses audiences in the historical space of the Imperial Citadel through a modern artistic lens, evoking pride in national identity and the pioneering spirit of the Ly Dynasty. Beyond a cultural and artistic event, it also serves as a bridge linking past, present, and future, aligning with Hanoi’s role within UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.
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Delegates cutting the ribbon to kick off the space |
Inspired by the defining legacies of the Ly Dynasty, the program reconstructs a formative chapter in Vietnamese history that shaped the nation’s cultural and spiritual identity. Its centerpiece is a large-scale 3D mapping projection set against the Doan Mon monument, guiding viewers through a symbolic “time gate” back to the year 1009. Throughout the performance, historical segments are vividly presented through a synthesis of sound, light, and the site’s architectural backdrop, surpassing conventional documentary formats.
A major highlight is the Immersive multisensory experience space, which moves beyond the boundaries of conventional digital art to establish a digital heritage ecosystem at the citadel. Here, technology acts not only as an illustrative tool but also as the “soul” that connects the past, transforming historical materials into an emotionally engaging journey.
Alongside the 3D mapping, the program opens up a journey of heritage exploration through a digital language within a multisensory experiential space, where the past is vividly reimagined across six distinctive technology-based zones. These include an AI-powered virtual receptionist enabling “cross-time dialogue,” interactive information kiosks that allow visitors to “touch” the flow of history, and an AI automatic selfie-rendering feature that lets participants transform themselves by donning traditional attire, among other immersive experiences.
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Applying digital technologies to introducing visitors to the heritage of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long |
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, emphasized that applying technologies, such as 3D simulation, virtual reality, multimedia projection, and intelligent interactive solutions enhances experiential depth, fostering public pride, appreciation, and a shared responsibility for preserving and promoting the values of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
The digital heritage space at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is not merely an activity honoring a millennium of cultural legacy; it also serves as a powerful affirmation of the capital’s pioneering role in developing a sustainable cultural industry. It stands as clear evidence of a new direction in heritage preservation, using modern technology as a “bridge” to connect the past with the present, while fostering a spirit of innovation rooted in traditional cultural values.
Translated by Song Anh