Hanoi's Old Streets and Crafts Showcase at Temple of Literature

A special event showcasing the traditional streetscapes and craftsmanship of the ancient capital Thang Long (present-day Hanoi) is being held at the Temple of Literature in Vietnam's capital. The program is inspired by the streetscapes, architecture, and daily life of Hanoi's historic '36 Streets'. The venue features displays of images and historical artifacts from Hanoi's '36 Streets', alongside hands-on workshops with traditional craftspeople. This allows participants to experience firsthand the rich history and culture of Hanoi, as well as its dynamism that constantly evolves within modern society. This event can be seen as part of Hanoi's efforts to protect cultural heritage and promote tourism under its one-party system. While prioritizing economic growth, the Communist Party of Vietnam also focuses on preserving traditional culture and maintaining national identity, with cultural events like this aiming to balance these objectives. In particular, as Vietnam experiences rapid economic growth, transmitting traditional values and skills to the next generation, which are at risk of being lost amidst rapid urbanization and globalization, is considered crucial for social stability and national cohesion. Furthermore, this event can be interpreted as an attempt by Vietnam, which has a complex relationship with China, to promote its unique cultural heritage both domestically and internationally, thereby strengthening its soft power. Against the backdrop of issues like the South China Sea, Vietnam is seeking to reduce its economic dependence on China while enhancing its presence on the international stage, with cultural exchange being one of its key tools. Specific details regarding the duration of this event were not included in the provided original article.