Hanoi launches cultural‑driven urban revitalisation plan

Vietnam's Politburo Resolution No. 80‑NQ/TW calls for cultural development to become an endogenous driver of creativity and sustainable growth. Hanoi has responded with a series of initiatives aimed at turning the capital into a "Civilised – Distinctive – Creative" city. Key measures include a creative‑infrastructure development programme and a 2026 creative space design competition that invite architects, designers and creative communities to transform former industrial sites, relocated facilities, traditional craft villages, parks and squares into innovative public spaces.

The city is also advancing its 100‑year master plan, which places culture at the core of long‑term urban development. The plan prioritises preserving historic urban structures such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Red River corridor and the network of craft villages, while expanding green areas and converting idle industrial or relocated sites into parks, museums, cultural centres and creative hubs. Officials say the approach seeks to balance heritage conservation with modern urbanisation, fostering a vibrant creative ecosystem, accelerating cultural‑industry growth and strengthening Hanoi's role in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.