Representatives of Hội An and Wernigerode cut ribbons at the inauguration of the Hội An Garden at the Miniaturen Park ‘Kleiner Harz’ in Wernigerode Town, Germany. The park's introduction celebrated the 10th anniversary of the friendship of the two cities (2013-2023) and the third ‘lantern festival’ on August 25-27. Photo courtesy of Hội An City's Centre for sports and culture

WERNIGERODE TOWN, GERMANY — The ancient city of Hội An and Wernigerode, its twin town in Germany, jointly inaugurated the Hội An Garden at the Miniaturen Park ‘Kleiner Harz’ in Wernigerode in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the friendship of the two cities (2013-2023) and the third ‘lantern festival’ on August 25-27.

The opening ceremony, which took place in the German town on August 24, was designed on 110sq.m with supports from artisans from Hội An City and Wernigerode for introduction on a piece of Hội An’s UNESCO-recognised world heritage to local residents and visitors from Europe.

A corner of Hội An Garden opens at the Miniaturen Park ‘Kleiner Harz’ in Wernigerode Town, Germany. it will help introduce Hội An ancient town to visitors from Europe and Germany. Photo courtesy of Hội An City's Centre for Sports and Culture

The lantern festival is a chance for promoting value of the craft that has been preserved by the ancient town for centuries, and boosting tourism potential of Hội An in Europe.

Local craftsmen from Hội An will display lantern decorations in Wernigerode, art performances, and lantern-making skills demonstration.

A 20-piece collection of driftwood sculptures are also on display at the park during the two-day festival.

The two cities agreed to build an eco-road or ‘green’ street in Hội An as a symbol of the twin cities from next year.

Dancers from Hội An perform with lanterns at the opening ceremony of the Hội An Garden in Wernigerode Town, Germany. Photo courtesy of Hội An City's Centre for Sports and Culture

Wernigerode helped build a solar-powered system for public lighting, loudspeakers and lanterns in Hội An, and sent support to flood and storm victims in Hội An.

Hội An has submitted a dossier for recognition from the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

Hội An and Wernigerode were both recognised with a German Sustainability Award 2019 by the German Federal Government. VNS