Vietnamese Tea Culture at the World Culture Festival in Hanoi

26/11/2025

On 10 October 2025, within the framework of the inaugural World Culture Festival in Hanoi, the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Thăng Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, organized a series of activities honoring the art of Vietnamese tea culture – an ancient tradition imbued with mindfulness, community connection, and harmony between humans and nature.

Held from 10 – 12 October 2025 at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site, a sacred space deeply rooted in the nation’s history and culture, the program featured:

A reenactment of the traditional tea-tasting space within the heart of the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, as part of the first World Culture Festival in Hanoi.
Three special tea ceremonies dedicated to international guests, expected to welcome senior representatives from Vietnamese authorities, ambassadors, United Nations leaders, and distinguished Vietnamese tea artisans.

Performances and demonstrations by master tea artisans, continuing the spirit of the “From Tea Leaves to Heritage” series in Đà Lạt, and promoting Vietnamese tea heritage as a potential candidate for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Mr. Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, affirmed:
“Heritage is not only something to be preserved; it is the foundation upon which we build the future. Through tea, we tell stories of identity, of people, and of connection. UNESCO is delighted to accompany Vietnam on its journey to transform heritage into a driving force for creativity, dialogue, and sustainable development.”

The event marks a joint effort to inspire and elevate the role of tea culture in community development, sustainable tourism, and strengthening Vietnam’s heritage branding on the international stage. It contributes to the project “Enhancing Local Community Benefits through Strengthened Partnerships for Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Practices.”

The Vietnamese tea ceremony is also part of UNESCO’s broad participation in the World Culture Festival in Hanoi – a platform celebrating culture as a pillar of sustainable development. Through curated exhibitions, interactive experiences, and cultural dialogues, UNESCO highlights key areas of cooperation with Vietnam in heritage, creativity, and cultural diplomacy, reflecting the long-standing, trusted, and forward-looking partnership between the two sides.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to build peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. In Vietnam, UNESCO collaborates closely with the Government and partners to advance sustainable development, revitalize cultural vitality, enhance inclusive and quality education, and promote the application of science for human development.

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