Nine Dynastic Urns inscribed on UNESCO Memory of World Register
The Nine Dynastic Urns, housed in the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, have been inscribed in the Memory of the World Register.
Nine Dynastic Urns in Hue Imperial Citadel (Photo: VNA)
Thua Thien - Hue (VNA)ဣ – The Nine Dynastic Urns, housed in the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, have been inscribed in the Memory of the World Register.
This prestigious recognition was awarded unanimously by all 23 participating countries during the 10th plenary meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific, held in both online and in-person format in Mongolia on May 8.
These bronze urns, all meticulously crafted, stand horizontally within The To Mieu (To Mieu Temple) courtyard in the Hue Imperial Citadel, a place to worship the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty – the last feudal regime which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.
Representing the country’s unity and beauty as well as enduring legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty, they were cast in late 1835 and completed in early 1837, under the reign of King Minh Mang.
The tallest urn is 2.5m high versus the shortest at 2.3m high. Each one, weighing up to 2,600 kg, has a name symbolising an emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The central one is dedicated to King Gia Long.
Beyond their sheer size, the urns are remarkable for their exquisite craftsmanship. The intricate designs on their surfaces reinforce the symbolism of power, stability and dynastic continuity.
They transcend their symbolic function, serving as a unique "geographic encyclopedia" of 19th-century Vietnam. Their surfaces are adorned with 162 exquisite engravings depicting the nation's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains and flowing rivers to bustling daily activities. Additionally, 90 images of native flora and fauna contribute to a remarkable display of artistry and historical documentation.
Remarkably, all nine urns remain in their original positions within the temple, meticulously preserved and a testament to Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. They were recognised as national treasures in 2012.
With this addition, the country now boasts 10 heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in the Asia-Pacific region, including 3 documentary world and 7 documentary heritages./.
An exhibition named “The Vietnam land shown on the Nine Dynasty Urns” was held at the Hue Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi) in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on June 16.
The Nine Dynastic Urns, built in late 1835 and completed in early 1837, was recognised as a national treasure in 2012, and considered the most valuable bronze objects in Vietnam.
Cuu Dinh, or Nine Dynastic Urns, are national treasures of Vietnam that embody the power and supremacy of the Nguyen Dynasty – the last feudal regime which ruled the country from 1802 to 1945.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
