HÀ NỘI — With lacquerware gleaming under ancient walls and silk fluttering beside stone relics, the Hanoi Great Souvenirs 2025 exhibition has opened in spectacular style at the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. More than just a market, the event is a celebration of Vietnamese craftsmanship and cultural identity.

More than 100 booths now sprawl across 5,000 square metres of the UNESCO-recognised site, showcasing the capital’s finest souvenirs, traditional crafts, and cultural performances. The event spotlights products under the One Commune–One Product (OCOP) programme, alongside live demonstrations and immersive visitor experiences designed to bring age-old traditions to life.

Held from August 14 to 17, the fair not only promotes Hà Nội’s global image as a 'City of a Thousand Years of Civilisation – City for Peace – Creative City,' but also bolsters its commitment to supporting local businesses. For artisans and producers, particularly those from the city's 1,350 recognised craft villages, this is a chance to connect with wider markets, stimulate trade, and raise the export profile of their products.

“The city’s handicrafts are already present in markets including the US, EU, Japan, Russia and the Middle East,” said Director of the Hà Nội Department of Industry and Trade Võ Nguyên Phong.

Hà Nội’s craft villages make up 45 per cent of the national total, he added — a figure that underscores the capital’s importance to the sector.

Beyond commerce, the exhibition also seeks to inspire. By linking the work of modern-day craftspeople with one of the nation’s most sacred historical spaces, organisers hope to strengthen cultural pride and draw young people and foreign visitors into deeper engagement with Việt Nam’s rich artistic heritage.

Hanoi Great Souvenirs 2025 is expected to become a signature event that bridges the past and present, raising the profile of Vietnamese culture and souvenirs both at home and abroad. — VNS