Hanoi Temple of Literature marks 950 years with ‘Garden of Light’ display

The 'Garden of Light' opens over the weekend at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, as a highlight of a series of events marking the 950th anniversary of Vietnam’s first national university (1076–2026).

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Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Centre of Science and Culture Activities of the Temple of Literature, says each lantern is not only an exquisite handcrafted piece but also carries symbolic meaning, with light representing knowledge, philosophy and humanistic values passed down through generations.

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Visitors can enjoy traditional music performances within the exhibition space, where the interplay of music and lantern displays creates a highly artistic atmosphere.

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The relic site is designed as a distinctive lantern art space, gathering artisans to make lanterns from familiar materials such as bamboo, silk and dó (poohnah) paper.

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The vibrant lantern art space displays lanterns from craft villages nationwide such as Cao Vien village (Thanh Oai, Hanoi), Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan weaving village (Phu Nghia, Hanoi), and Kim Son sedge craft village (Ninh Binh).

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The event also showcases artworks by artisan Hoang Ngoc Tuyen (Hue), Bao La bamboo weaving village (Hue), Hai Duong lantern and conical hat facility (Hue), Dé Lantana lanterns (Hoi An), and Trong Binh Co Dang lantern facility (Ho Chi Minh City).