By Đoàn Tùng

From November 13 to 16, 2026, the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long in Hà Nội becomes the focal point of the global handicraft world with the inaugural Global Craft Village Conservation and Development Festival, marking a milestone in elevating Vietnamese heritage onto the international stage.

Co-organised by the Hà Nội People’s Committee and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the event brings together more than 200 artisans and experts from nearly 60 countries and territories. Spanning 10,000sq.m within the historic citadel, a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange unfolds through the meeting of Việt Nam's "living human treasures" – representing over 1,350 domestic craft villages – and the finest craftsmanship from across the five continents.

A groundbreaking highlight of the festival is its forward-thinking approach to placing tradition within a modern context, showcased through dedicated Conservation – Innovation and Digital Transformation – Net-Zero zones. Here, master artisans do not merely demonstrate their time-honoured techniques; they also collaborate with contemporary designers to integrate green technologies, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of handcrafted goods.

Throughout the festival, members of the public can immerse themselves in the open-air live spectacle The Quintessence of Vietnam, the Asia-Pacific Handicraft Competition, and hands-on experiential tours across renowned craft villages including Bát Tràng, Vạn Phúc, and Chuyên Mỹ.

Notably, the proposal made during the event to establish a World Craft Centre in Hà Nội underscores the capital’s increasingly prominent standing – a place where past heritage truly thrives and reaches new heights alongside the creative ambitions of a modern era. — VNS