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Hanoi’s Cultural Renaissance: Crafting a “Civilized, Distinctive, and Creative” Urban Legacy for Tomorrow

7 November, 2025

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THE HANOI TIMES — Dr. Nguyen Viet Chuc, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council on Culture and Society under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, shares insights with The Hanoi Times regarding Hanoi’s cultural evolution, as outlined during the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee.

How would you evaluate the essence and outcomes of the 18th Congress, particularly its role in realizing the vision of a “Civilized – Distinctive – Creative” capital, as envisioned by Party General Secretary To Lam?

Hanoi embarks on a new phase of cultural development, fueled by the resolutions adopted at the 18th Congress. This phase is marked by renewed confidence and determination, building upon the city’s recent pioneering achievements and progress.

In my view, the Congress demonstrated a robust political will and a clear strategic vision to position culture and creativity as the core drivers of development. It went beyond merely reaffirming Hanoi’s cultural heritage, aiming to intertwine traditional values with innovation and modernity. This approach ensures the capital remains both timeless and forward-looking.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Chuc, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council on Culture and Society under the Vietnam Fatherland Front. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Notably, Hanoi was the first locality in Vietnam to issue a dedicated resolution on cultural industries. Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU of the City Party Committee, titled “Developing the Cultural Industries in the Capital for 2021–2025, with orientation to 2030 and vision to 2045,” stands as a landmark policy framework. It facilitates comprehensive growth in scale, product quality, services, and markets, ensuring sustainable development.

This proactive approach reflects Hanoi’s understanding that culture is not a passive legacy to be preserved but an active resource to be developed.

Hanoi aims to enhance its residents’ spiritual well-being through diverse cultural activities while promoting the capital’s image globally. Simultaneously, the city has accelerated the integration of digital technologies in cultural management and creative production, laying the foundation for a modern, smart, and culturally distinctive metropolis.

As a result, culture has emerged as a leading economic sector, characterized by high growth rates and significant value creation. It serves as a true “soft power” asset, contributing to Hanoi’s sustainable development—an achievement unmatched by any other locality in Vietnam.

For instance, cultural landmarks such as Hoa Lo Prison and the Temple of Literature have been revitalized. Beyond serving as symbols of the city’s rich heritage, they now embody the dynamic fusion of preservation and innovation. These sites educate younger generations while generating economic value through tourism and creative experiences.

However, as the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, Hanoi cannot rest on its laurels. Instead, it must continue to take bold and innovative steps to protect, reinterpret, and breathe new life into its cultural assets. This is essential for living up to its role as the nation’s cultural flagship and a city that truly embodies the spirit of being “Civilized – Distinctive – Creative.”

Vibrant scenes from the Dong Da Mound Festival in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/ The Hanoi Times

The Congress set a goal to develop culture on par with economics and politics. What breakthrough must Hanoi achieve for culture to truly become an endogenous resource and a driver of sustainable growth?

In the past, when living conditions were challenging, economic growth naturally took precedence. Today, with basic needs largely met, it is both timely and forward-looking for Hanoi to elevate cultural development to the same strategic level as economic progress.

As people achieve material comfort, they also seek fulfillment in their spiritual and emotional lives. This evolution reflects a society reaching a higher level of development, where quality of life is measured not only by income but also by cultural depth and collective identity. I believe this is a wise and necessary direction for the capital.

Hanoi has long been regarded as a “land of talented people and sacred traditions,” home to generations of scholars, researchers, and cultural experts. It also hosts the nation’s most concentrated network of research institutes, universities, and cultural institutions, forming a vibrant intellectual ecosystem. This gives Hanoi a unique advantage to lead the nation in defining how culture can power sustainable development.

Human resources are the decisive factor in the growth of Hanoi’s cultural industries. This is not solely the responsibility of state agencies or cultural organizations. Every Hanoian—artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and citizens alike—must act with unity, creativity, and civic pride to transform internal potential into collective strength.

Each individual is, in essence, a “cultural subject” with a distinct role and mission in shaping the city’s identity.

The breakthrough, therefore, lies in nurturing and mobilizing this human capital.

Hanoi should empower its young generation and place genuine trust in their intellect, innovation, and creative energy, while also valuing the wisdom and experience of cultural veterans and experts. When youthful creativity meets mature insight, it creates a synergy that can generate impactful cultural initiatives and high-quality creative products—ones that honor tradition while embracing modernity.

Ultimately, Hanoi’s path to making culture a true endogenous resource depends on its people. It depends on how the city inspires its citizens to live, think, and create as bearers of the capital’s thousand-year-old spirit in a new era of global integration.

A captivating light installation at Hanoi’s 2024 Creative Design Festival. Photo: Lai Tan/ The Hanoi Times

In the context of digital transformation and deep international integration, how do you see the role of Hanoians’ behavior and values in shaping the image of “Hanoi – City for Peace” and “Hanoi – Creative City”?

The behavior, civility, and moral values of Hanoians are fundamental in defining and sustaining the capital’s image as both a “City for Peace” and a “Creative City” recognized by UNESCO.

Traditionally, Hanoians have been admired for their refined manners, calm demeanor, and gracious way of life—traits that embody the city’s centuries-old cultural depth. However, under the fast-changing pressures of urbanization and social transformation, some of these qualities have faded, necessitating a conscious effort to revive and renew them in contemporary life.

To address this, the city introduced two landmark Codes of Conduct: one for civil servants and public employees, and another for behavior in public spaces. These frameworks have provided both guidance and inspiration, gradually helping to redefine what it means to be a “cultured Hanoian” in the 21st century.

After seven years of consistent implementation, the spirit of elegance, respect, and harmony in public behavior is gradually being restored—not as a nostalgic return to the past, but as a living value evolving with modern urban life.

Looking ahead, human development must remain at the heart of Hanoi’s cultural strategy. Family education, schools, communities, and local authorities all play indispensable roles in shaping citizens who are not only well-mannered but also socially responsible and open to creativity.

Building “cultural citizens” means nurturing individuals who think globally yet act with the grace and empathy rooted in Hanoi’s thousand-year-old heritage. This balance between tradition and innovation will ensure that Hanoi continues to be recognized worldwide as a peaceful, creative, and inspiring city—one where culture becomes a living force connecting the past and future.

Parade at the Bach Hoa Bo Hanh event, featuring participants in feudal-era royal costumes. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times

What are your expectations for the new term of the Hanoi Party Committee, particularly in balancing urban development, heritage preservation, improved quality of life, and maintaining cultural identity?

Global integration brings both opportunities and challenges for Hanoi. On one hand, young people are increasingly exposed to diverse cultural influences that broaden their horizons and inspire creativity. On the other hand, they face the risk of being swept into fleeting or superficial trends that may dilute authentic cultural values.

However, as the capital of a nation with a millennia-old civilization, Hanoi possesses deep-rooted cultural resilience—an internal “immune system” that enables it to embrace the new while staying true to its identity. This resilience is nurtured by the city’s rich traditions, strong community spirit, and unwavering pride in being the heart of Vietnam.

The recent A80 Celebration, marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, vividly reflected this cultural strength. People gathered in the capital not merely to watch parades but to share in a profound sense of unity, pride, and belonging—an expression of collective joy that transcended generations and backgrounds.

This spontaneous togetherness is, in itself, living proof of Hanoi’s enduring vitality as a cultural and spiritual center.

Looking ahead, I am confident that Hanoi will continue to prosper, not only economically but also in terms of social progress and cultural depth. The key lies in pursuing development that is both modern and humane, where skyscrapers rise alongside preserved heritage, and innovation coexists with the values of peace, intellect, and compassion.

By unlocking its intrinsic cultural resources and integrating them into every aspect of governance, urban planning, and education, Hanoi can sustain its momentum as a “Civilized, Distinctive, and Creative Capital” in a new era of development.

Thank you for your insights!