Light Symphony 2025 – When heritage is reimagined through technology
As the inaugural event of the Hanoi International Light Festival (Hanoi Light), Light Symphony 2025 was more than a music event—it was a multi-dimensional artistic journey where heritage was reinterpreted through light, sound, and cutting-edge technology.
For the first time in Vietnam, a drone light show was synchronized with a symphony orchestra to recreate symbols associated with Thang Long – Hanoi in the night sky over West Lake. Iconic images such as the Khue Van Pavilion and the Peace City emblem came to life vividly, transporting the audience to a new heritage space where the past and future merged in a captivating visual and auditory experience.
The event also featured the Ly Dynasty Dragon and vibrant depictions of Hanoi's 36 Old Quarters, symbolising the interplay between tradition and modernity. This was not merely an artistic performance but also an innovative way for Hanoi residents and visitors to appreciate, connect with, and continue the values of heritage in a creative and engaging manner.
Hanoi’s Heritage Preservation Strategy – The need for creative approaches
Heritage preservation does not mean keeping everything static but requires fresh, flexible approaches to ensure heritage thrives in modern life. Light Symphony 2025 exemplifies this, combining technology and art to make heritage more accessible to the public.
In the future, Hanoi could expand this model in various directions:
Light projection technology at historical sites: Employing 3D mapping and laser shows to vividly narrate the stories of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, or Long Bien Bridge.
Art festivals inspired by heritage: Hosting events like light festivals, open-air concerts, or immersive performances to both preserve cultural values and stimulate tourism and creative economic development.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences: Instead of traditional tours, visitors could "travel through time" using digital tools to better understand the history and architecture of ancient structures.
Connecting cultural industries with heritage: Using heritage as inspiration to develop creative products such as fashion, design, and artistic performances, ensuring heritage becomes part of the creative economy rather than a static relic.
Light Symphony – A milestone in heritage promotion strategy
Organising artistic events that integrate music, technology, light, and heritage, such as Light Symphony 2025, is a positive step toward developing Hanoi's cultural industry. When heritage is not just preserved but reimagined through the language of the times, it becomes possible for millennia-old values to resonate and thrive in the future.
With continued policy support and collaboration among government agencies, businesses, and creative communities, Hanoi can serve as a model for combining preservation with innovation, transforming heritage into a key resource for promoting tourism, art, and cultural economics.
Light Symphony 2025 is not merely an event but a significant milestone in Hanoi's heritage promotion strategy—where art not only honors the past but also forges a pathway to connect with the future.
The event is supported by media and advertising partners, including Saigon - Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB), T&T Group Joint Stock Company, Suntravel - Transport Union Tourism and Trade Joint Stock Company, Hanoi Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (HABECO), Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex), Eurowindow Holding Joint Stock Company, Ha Anh Aviation Tourism Joint Stock Company, MobiFone Telecommunications Corporation, and Tachudu Tourism and Event Co., Ltd.
