The brilliance of Thang Long Imperial Citadel during spring incense offering ceremony

The Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre in collaboration with the Thang Long Cultural Heritage Association held an incense offering ceremony to pay homage to the emperors, predecessors, and talented people who have made contributions to the country’s development.

In addition to incense offering, a wide variety of other traditional rituals were held, including a dragon dance expressing the wish for good weather, prosperity, and peace while upholding the martial spirit and the nation's tradition of remembering the predecessors’ contributions.

A Thang Long Drum performance by artisans from Ha Yen Quyet Village demonstrated the heroic spirit of Hanoi with thousands of years of history.

The dragon dance creates a vibrant festive atmosphere in front of Kinh Thien Palace.

Next, the procession of offerings to the ancestors who had made great contributions to the country gathered at the square in front of Doan Mon (one of the main entrances to the Thang Long Citadel) and solemnly entered Kinh Thien Palace.

The activities during the programme featured the participation of various groups around the capital city of Hanoi, including the dragon dance team from Trieu Khuc Village (Tan Trieu Commune, Thanh Tri District); the drum team from Ha Yen Quyet Communal House (Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District); and the women's incense offering team at So Thuong Temple (Yen So - Hoang Mai).

Also on this occasion, many spring flower spaces and miniature landscapes have been arranged at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

The incense offering ceremony takes place in a solemn atmosphere.

The spring incense offering ceremony has been held annually to pay tribute to the ancestors, wise kings and talented people who have had great contributions to the country as well as honour traditional values of Thang Long – Hanoi.

This year, Thang Long Imperial Citadel welcomed a large number of visitors, with more than 70,000 visitors recorded since February 11 (the second day of the first lunar month).