UNESCO Endorses Vietnam's Vision for Thang Long Imperial Citadel's Central Axis Restoration

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has endorsed the vision for restoring the central axis of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, as proposed by Vietnam. The committee commended Vietnam for fulfilling the commitments it has made since the citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, as well as for implementing recommendations from the committee and its advisory bodies. It also praised the country's efforts to preserve the site's cultural, historical and social values, transforming the imperial citadel into a space for public engagement, cultural exchange and historical education. The committee further welcomed the long-term vision as an important basis for the proposed restoration of Kinh Thien Palace in line with the approved conservation strategy. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a significant heritage site that narrates the historical and cultural transformations of Vietnam over thousands of years. The restoration of its central axis aims to bring back the original grandeur of the site and deepen the understanding of its historical importance. The Vietnamese government, in cooperation with UNESCO, plans to advance this historical project.