This prestigious recognition was awarded unanimously by all 23 participating countries during the 10th plenary meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific, held in both online and in-person format in Mongolia on May 8.

These bronze cauldrons, all meticulously crafted, stand horizontally within The To Mieu (To Mieu Temple) courtyard in the Hue Imperial Citadel, a place to worship the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty – the last feudal regime which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

Representing the country’s unity and beauty as well as enduring legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty, they were cast in late 1835 and completed in early 1837, under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang.

The tallest cauldron is 2.5m high versus the shortest at 2.3m high. Each one, weighing up to 2,600 kg, has a name symbolising an emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The central one is dedicated to Emperor Gia Long.

Beyond their sheer size, the cauldrons are remarkable for their exquisite craftsmanship. The intricate designs on their surfaces reinforce the symbolism of power, stability and dynastic continuity.

They transcend their symbolic function, serving as a unique "geographic encyclopedia" of 19th-century Vietnam. Their surfaces are adorned with 162 exquisite engravings depicting the nation's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains and flowing rivers to bustling daily activities. Additionally, 90 images of native flora and fauna contribute to a remarkable display of artistry and historical documentation.

Remarkably, all nine cauldrons remain in their original positions within the temple, meticulously preserved and a testament to Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. They were recognised as national treasures in 2012.

With this addition, the country now boasts 10 heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in the Asia-Pacific region, including 3 documentary world and 7 documentary heritages.

Bac Giang promotes cultural heritage values associated with tourism development

BAC GIANG -The provincial People's Committee held the opening ceremony of the Bac Giang Culture - Tourism Week 2024 with the theme "Sacred Tay Yen Tu" and the Tay Yen Tu Spring Festival at the Tay Yen Tu Spiritual – Ecological Tourism Area in Son Dong district on February 21.

22nd Vietnam Poetry Day to honour poetic heritage of 54 Vietnamese ethnic group

The 22nd Vietnam Poetry Day will be held on the at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on February 23 and 24, announced the Vietnam Writers’ Association (VWA).

Ninh Binh seeks UNESCO's enhanced support in heritage preservation

The northern province of Ninh Binh, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, wants to integrate into the global network of heritage cities and towns to learn preservation and tourism development experiences through UNESCO, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Doan Minh Huan said on January 19.

22nd Vietnam Poetry Day to honour poetic heritage of 54 Vietnamese ethnic group

The 22nd Vietnam Poetry Day will be held on the at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on February 23 and 24, announced the Vietnam Writers’ Association (VWA).

Bac Giang develops Tay Yen Tu cultural tourism, exploits heritage values and strengths linkage

BAC GIANG- In order to develop unique and attractive cultural and spiritual tourism products on the side of Tay Yen Tu Mountain, the related agencies, localities, units and businesses have actively promoted and exploited the heritage values while boosting the linkage, thereby contributing to attract domestic and international tourists to Bac Giang.

Source: VNA