In celebration of the 2026 New Year and with the aim of enhancing the quality of the heritage destination, the Hoàng thành Thăng Long has officially launched the “Imperial Capital Thang Long” 3D mapping production and Digital Experience Space within the heritage site. More than simply a visual spectacle, the program stands as a powerful affirmation that this thousand-year-old heritage continues to thrive with the spirit of the contemporary era on the land of millennia-old civilization.

With the theme “Echoes of the Ly Dynasty”, the program recreates the glorious and prosperous era of the Ly Dynasty – the royal house that laid the foundation for Thang Long to become the political and cultural center of the nation. The project serves as a bridge between heritage and technology, immersing audiences in the historical atmosphere of the Imperial Citadel through the lens of modern art, while awakening pride in national identity and the pioneering spirit of the Ly era. Beyond being a cultural and artistic activity, the program also creates an experiential space connecting the past, present, and future of Hanoi – a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.

Launch Ceremony of the Digital Heritage Space

Inspired by the most iconic legacies of the Ly Dynasty – the dynasty that established Thang Long – the program vividly recreates a golden period that shaped the nation’s cultural and spiritual identity. The centerpiece is a large-scale 3D mapping projection staged against the backdrop of the historic Doan Mon Gate, transporting audiences through a “gateway in time” back to the year 1009.

Throughout the program, historical chapters such as “Dragon’s Heavenly Mandate,” “Protecting the Nation and the People,” and “Legacy of the Ly Dynasty” are brought to life through the seamless integration of sound, light, and architectural scenery, transcending the limitations of conventional documentary formats.

At the heart of the technological experience is the immersive multi-sensory exhibition space. Going beyond the boundaries of a traditional digital art exhibition, “Echoes of the Ly Dynasty” establishes a comprehensive digital heritage ecosystem within the Imperial Citadel. A major highlight of the program is the immersive experience zone.

Immersive Multi-Sensory Experience Space

Here, technology is not merely a visual support tool but becomes the “soul” connecting the past and transforming historical archives into emotionally engaging experiences. Alongside the central 3D mapping film, visitors are invited on a digital heritage journey through six distinctive technological zones:

Visual Mapping 3D – Reconstructing the Civilized Capital

Using motion graphics animation combined with intelligent sensor systems, this zone recreates the grandeur of the ancient Thang Long citadel. From majestic pagodas and towers to scenes of royal court life, everything is vividly presented through mist effects and traditional ceremonial music. Particularly noteworthy is the interactive lighting system, which responds in real time: as visitors approach, the lighting automatically changes, creating depth and the sensation of walking through an 11th-century royal palace.

Holobox 3D – Ly Dynasty Treasures in Virtual Space

Advanced holographic technology allows precious artifacts such as terracotta dragon heads and models of Bao Thien Tower and Dien Huu Pagoda to appear as floating three-dimensional images in physical space. Visitors can observe every intricate detail without the barrier of display glass, creating a striking visual experience. Virtual historical figures representing Ly Dynasty society – kings, monks, scholars – are also brought to life through depth effects and virtual motion technology.

AI Virtual Receptionist – A Dialogue Across Time

Serving as a historical guide and intelligent tour assistant, the “Virtual Receptionist” utilizes artificial intelligence combined with AI cameras and motion sensors to recognize visitors automatically. The system can directly answer questions about the Ly Dynasty and Vietnamese history using natural voice interaction accompanied by vivid visual illustrations, offering an engaging and modern approach to historical learning.

Interactive Information Kiosks – “Touching” the Flow of History

Featuring intuitive touchscreen interfaces, the information kiosks allow visitors to actively explore detailed information about Ly emperors, remarkable artifacts, and significant architectural works. This vibrant digital environment enables the public — especially younger generations — to truly “touch history” through modern, accessible, and engaging interactions, making heritage more approachable and relatable to all audiences.

AI Selfie Render – Transforming into Historical Figures

One of the most attractive features is the AI Selfie system. With a simple photo taken at the interactive screen, artificial intelligence automatically processes the image and integrates visitors’ faces into authentic Ly Dynasty costumes with impressive precision. Guests can instantly receive “time-travel portraits,” transforming themselves into historical characters within the distinctive cultural setting of the dynasty, preserving memorable personal moments connected to heritage.

VR360 – A Virtual Reality Journey

Through VR360 virtual reality technology, the entire royal court environment and treasured artifacts such as Buddha statues, the stone steles of the Temple of Literature, and the bell of the One Pillar Pagoda have been digitized in ultra-high resolution. Visitors can closely observe the exquisite sculptural and artistic details of the Ly period while fully immersing themselves in a realistic 3D recreation of palace architecture and royal life.

The Digital Heritage Space at the Hoàng thành Thăng Long is not merely a program honoring the thousand-year-old cultural legacy of the nation; it is also a strong affirmation of Hanoi’s pioneering role in the sustainable development of cultural industries. By combining large-scale 3D mapping art with immersive interactive technologies, the project opens a unique journey of heritage exploration through the language of digital innovation.

This initiative stands as clear evidence of a new direction in heritage preservation: using modern technology as a “bridge” connecting the past with the present while promoting creativity rooted in traditional cultural values. Through this approach, the space promises to transform heritage into a vivid, accessible, and widely shared experience for communities in the digital age.