Hanoi’s craft villages to make entry into global creative network
This achievement reinforces Hanoi’s position on the world cultural map while opening new opportunities for the villages to enhance their competitive edge, preserve traditional values, expand market reach, bolster international cultural exchange, and foster sustainable development.
Bat Trang ceramic products not only serve people in their daily life, but also have high aesthetic value thanks to the amazing craftsmanship and artisans' creativity. (Photo: nhandan.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) –🐻 A ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel to honour the recognition of Hanoi’s two traditional craft villages, Bat Trang ceramic village in Gia Lam district and Van Phuc silk village in Ha Dong district as members of the World Crafts Cities Network.
The recognition, granted in late 2024, marks a significant milestone as these villages become Vietnam's first traditional craft communities to join the prestigious global network. They represent the 67th and 68th craft villages recognised worldwide, establishing Vietnam as the 28th country to receive this acknowledgement.
This achievement reinforces Hanoi’s position on the world cultural map while opening new opportunities for the villages to enhance their competitive edge, preserve traditional values, expand market reach, bolster international cultural exchange, and foster sustainable development.
On the occasion, Hanoi will arrange an extensive cultural showcase, featuring dedicated spaces for Van Phuc silk and Bat Trang ceramics, alongside international artisans' works. Visitors can explore traditional tea culture, local cuisine, and OCOP (One Commune One Product) items. Besides, live demonstrations by both local and international craftsmen will highlight the intricate artistry and help promote cultural exchange.
Van Phuc silk village is one of the most famous craft villages in Vietnam. The oldest national silk village, with a thousand-year-old history, still retains the tradition of weaving and preserves significant cultural and historical values.
During the feudal time, Van Phuc silk was chosen to make national costumes for the Nguyen Dynasty kings (1802-1945). In 1931, for the first time, Van Phuc silk was introduced internationally at the Marseille fair and the French considered it one of the most sophisticated and beautiful silk lines of Indochina. By 1958, the silk was exported to Eastern European countries and today it is still a favoured product for many domestic and foreign consumers. The silk has been famous for its durability, beauty and softness. That special and unique feature is thanks to the skilled hands and experience of the local people.
Meanwhile, when talking about traditional craft villages in Hanoi, people often think of Bat Trang ceramic craft village, about 10km southeast of the city centre, in Bat Trang commune. Through many ups and downs of history, the village still retains its tradition of making ceramic and pottery from the soil. Bat Trang ceramic products not only serve people in their daily life, but also have high aesthetic value thanks to the amazing craftsmanship and artisans' creativity./.
The craft village and creative design festival 2024 opened in Hanoi's Thuong Tin district on October 11, alongside an exhibition featuring the district's One Commune-One Product (OCOP) products and handicrafts.
From a family pottery kiln established over three decades ago, Bat Trang GAIA has undergone a strong transformation to keep up with trends in ceramic consumption among today’s younger generation, personalising each of its ceramic products.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
