Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Recognized for Conservation Efforts by World Heritage Committee

The conservation status report for the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hanoi, Vietnam, has been adopted and commended at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea. At 11:47 AM local time on July 23rd (9:47 AM Vietnam time), the Committee acknowledged the progress made in developing plans related to the restoration and future structure of the heritage site. Specific praise was given for continued efforts in preparing technical documentation for the future restoration of Kính Thiên Palace. The Committee also commended the proactive encouragement and promotion of the site's use for meetings, festivals, cultural, and political events. By integrating intangible cultural heritage, the site is regaining its original function as a cultural, religious, and political center of Vietnam, making it meaningful to the community and stakeholders, and bringing vitality and sustainability to the heritage space. Festivals like "Tết Nguyên Đán" (Lunar New Year) and other significant related rituals, held in a location that served as the capital and center of power for centuries, affirm the role of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long as a vital living heritage site for the people of the capital and the nation. During a meeting with the Director-General of ICOMOS, Associate Professor, Dr. Lê Thị Thu Hiền, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, highly appreciated the assistance and collaboration from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in supporting the conservation activities of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Dr. Hiền also praised the UNESCO/ICOMOS Advisory Mission for their direct visits to the Imperial Citadel (in July 2023 and July 2025) to guide the site's conservation according to scientific standards, including the development of the Central Axis (by 2035), systematization of archaeological data, and evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of Kính Thiên Palace restoration proposals. The Department of Cultural Heritage has advised and submitted, leading to the National Assembly of Vietnam enacting the Law on Cultural Heritage in 2024. Alongside three Government Decrees and eight Circulars from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism guiding the implementation of this law, these measures have significantly contributed to the preservation of national cultural heritage, including the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Quang, Director of the Center for the Conservation of Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage, stated that with the enthusiastic support of ICOMOS and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Hanoi City has strived to conduct research and proactively implement recommendations from the World Heritage Committee and the UNESCO/ICOMOS Advisory Mission. This includes developing technical solutions and proposing activities for the repair and restoration of Kính Thiên Palace, the restoration of the Royal Path, foundation of side corridors, and Kính Thiên Gate, ensuring scientific grounds for conservation. Through collaborative heritage conservation activities, the relationship between ICOMOS and relevant agencies, Hanoi City, and Vietnamese heritage experts has become increasingly close. Consequently, the heritage site has learned valuable experiences from international experts of ICOMOS and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, which are being applied to sustainably conserve the Outstanding Universal Value of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. From September 27th to 30th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hanoi People's Committee, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long are scheduled to jointly organize the 'Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity' in Hanoi.