Hanoi’s relics are embracing digital technology to offer visitors unique experiences, enhancing their cultural learning journeys.
Exploring Heritage with Technology
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| The live program, ‘Mysterious Night at Ngoc Son Temple’, offers tourists visiting the capital an immersive and enriching experience. Photo: The Hanoi Times |
In recent years, Hanoi’s relic sites have integrated technology into their experiential offerings. Notable examples include the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which have digitized their data and implemented QR codes for easy information access. These sites also offer electronic ticketing, allowing visitors to book their entries conveniently online.
The city’s tourism departments are incorporating technology into product development and management. A notable offering is the “Tinh Hoa Dao Hoc” (The Quintessence of Education) experience at the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy. This light festival utilizes 3D projection mapping technology and traditional music to take visitors on a journey through academic history, from the Van Mieu Gate to the Thai Hoc Hall, with the highlight being a stunning 15-minute 3D mapping show.
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| The Literature Pavilion at the Temple of Literature, a stunning example of Hanoi’s historical architecture. |
Additionally, the “Ngoc Son – Mysterious Night” program at Ngoc Son Temple blends 3D lighting, contemporary dance, and a reenactment of a historical event, offering an unforgettable experience. With projection technology and performances on the water, visitors can explore the temple and The Huc Bridge in a unique way.
This program, set against the backdrop of the Special National Relic Site’s ancient architecture, rituals, and folklore, utilizes sound, light, and modern projection techniques to showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
Other relics and museums in Hanoi are also embracing technology. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site features thematic exhibits with modern audio equipment, while several relics in Dan Phuong District introduce virtual reality experiences to their offerings.
Digitalization Enhancing Heritage Values
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| A night tour of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, one of Hanoi’s historic gems. Photo: Hanoitourist |
The Hanoi People’s Committee has recently launched Plan No. 294 to preserve and promote the city’s cultural heritage until 2025 and beyond. This plan aims to protect valuable historical and cultural relics while showcasing the city’s cultural essence. It aligns with the city’s Program No. 06, focusing on cultural development and the enhancement of human resources, contributing to the cultivation of an elegant and civilized Hanoi.
Information technology plays a pivotal role in this plan, as emphasized by the committee. One pioneer in this digital transformation is the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, which has implemented e-ticketing since May 2022 and introduced online tickets for tourist groups in August 2023.
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| A glimpse into the night tour of the historic Hoa Lo Prison, a popular attraction in Hanoi. Photo: Hoa Lo Prison Relic Site |
“The shift to electronic ticketing offers visitors a modern, efficient, and convenient experience,” shared Le Xuan Kieu, the center’s director. “New tourism products, leveraging projection technologies, have also increased our appeal. We’re seeing visitor numbers at the Temple of Literature return to pre-Covid-19 levels.”
According to Nguyen Doan Van, Director of the Hanoi Heritage and Scenic Landscape Management Board, digital technology in management and product development is crucial to the Hanoi Party Committee’s vision for developing cultural industries in the capital by 2030 and beyond.
Pham Thi Lan Anh, Head of the Heritage Management Division of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, affirmed that their unit has developed plans with technology applications to effectively promote heritage values, aiming to attract even more travelers to the city.
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