Historic photos chronicle Temple of Literature's cultural diplomacy role

A new photo exhibition opened at the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities presents a visual history of how the institution has served as a bridge for cultural diplomacy across Asia and beyond. Titled "From heritage to cultural diplomacy," the exhibition was inaugurated on November 11 by the Vietnam News Agency in collaboration with the Temple of Literature Centre, marking the approach of the institution's 950th founding anniversary in 2026.

The Temple of Literature, founded in 1076 as Vietnam's first national university, has evolved over nearly a millennium from its original role as an educational institution into a significant symbol of Vietnamese cultural heritage and diplomatic engagement. The photographic collection documents this transformation, illustrating how the site has hosted international delegations, cultural exchanges, and heritage preservation initiatives that have strengthened Vietnam's relationships with nations across the region and internationally.

The exhibition underscores the Temple of Literature's continued prominence in Vietnam's cultural diplomacy efforts. Recent collaborations have extended the institution's reach, including programming in Paris that has highlighted its historical and cultural significance to international audiences. Simultaneously, enhanced cooperation between Hanoi and Beijing has focused on promoting the shared heritage values embodied by the temple, reflecting the institution's enduring relevance in contemporary regional relations.

As Vietnam moves toward the 950th anniversary celebration in 2026, the Temple of Literature remains positioned as a living monument to Vietnamese educational tradition and a venue for fostering cultural understanding across international borders.