Ha Noi's relics, by increasing the use of digital technology, are bringing new experiences along with cultural learning to visitors.
Heritage seen through technology
The real-life program entitled Mysterious Night at Ngoc Son Temple provides more enriching sensations for tourists visiting the capital. Photo: The Hanoi Times
In recent years, relic sites in Ha Noi have applied technology to experiential activities, typically the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel have undergone data digitization and provided QR codes for information access. In addition, the sites sell electronic tickets for visitors to book easily and conveniently online.
Many departments are integrating technology into the creation of tourism products and management. When visiting the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, tourists will experience the product called "Tinh Hoa Dao Hoc" (The Quintessence of Education), with a light festival using 3D projection mapping technology - combined with traditional music.
The journey through academic history begins at Van Mieu Gate, passes through Thien Quang Fountain and Doctor Stele area, and ends at Thai Hoc Hall. The highlight is the almost 15-minute 3D mapping show in front of the hall with elaborate lighting.
The Literature Pavilion at the Temple of Literature.
Meanwhile, the site-specific program themed “Ngoc Son - Mysterious Night” at Ngoc Son Temple every Wednesday and Thursday evening offers an unforgettable experience with a blend of 3D lighting, contemporary dance, and a reenactment of King Le Thai To return the precious sword to God Kim Quy (Golden Turtle) on Hoan Kiem Lake. With projection technology and performance on the water, the program allows visitors to tour Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge in a different way.
Drawing on the ancient architecture of the Special National Relic Site and its associated rituals and folklore, the program uses sound, light, and modern projection technology to showcase Vietnam's traditional cultural values.
In addition to the above, relics and museums around the capital are making efforts to use technology in visitor experience activities. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site has thematic exhibits using modern audio equipment. Similarly, several relics in Dan Phuong District introduce virtual reality experiences in their sightseeing activities.
Digitalization for promoting heritage values
The night tour to discover Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Hanoitourist
The Ha Noi People's Committee recently issued Plan No. 294 to preserve and promote the city's cultural heritage values until 2025 and beyond to protect valuable historical and cultural relics while promoting its cultural quintessence. This will contribute to achieving the city's Program No. 06 on cultural development, improving the quality of human resources, and cultivating elegant, civilized Ha Noi people.
The plan also emphasizes the application of information technology to cultural heritage to popularize cultural heritage.
Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities is one of the pioneers in implementing digital transformation and applying Industry 4.0 technology, according to the policies and directions of the government and Hanoi authorities. An e-ticketing system has been in operation at the site since May 2022, and online tickets for tourist groups have been available since August 2023.
Part of a night tour of Hanoi's historic Hoa Lo Prison. Photo: Hoa Lo Prison Relic Site
"The transition from traditional tickets to electronic tickets allows visitors to experience a modern, novel, fast, and convenient system. In addition, new tourism products based on new projection technologies have contributed to increasing the appeal for tourists. The number of visitors to the Temple of Literature has gradually returned to pre-Covid-19 levels," said the center's Director Le Xuan Kieu.
According to Nguyen Doan Van, Director of the Ha Noi Heritage and Scenic Landscape Management Board, the use of digital technology in management and product development is one of the important tasks in realizing the Ha Noi Party Committee's plan to develop cultural industries in the capital by 2030 and a vision for 2045.
Pham Thi Lan Anh, Head of the Heritage Management Division of the Ha Noi Department of Culture and Sports, said the unit has worked out plans with technology applications to effectively promote heritage values to attract more travelers to Ha Noi.
Jenna Duong