by Kiều Trinh

For a mere VNĐ20,000, one can embark on a unique train adventure through the tourism and heritage hub of Hà Nội. Tailored for attendees of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023, the train takes visitors from Hà Nội station, across the iconic Long Biên Bridge to Gia Lâm station and the ancient Gia Lâm Train Factory.

Covering an area of 203,000sq.m, including an infrastructure system consisting of headquarters and workshops for repairing train carriages, this abandoned ancient structure has been transformed into a hive of vibrant and creative activities by Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023.

Performance in ancient costumes — Photo courtesy of the Hà Nội Creative Festival 2023 organiser

The audience enjoys a show at Gia Lâm Train Factory. — Photo courtesy of the Hà Nội Creative Festival 2023 organiser

With the theme Flow, the festival promises a spectacular unveiling of Hà Nội’s heritage treasures along the Red River.

According to Đỗ Đình Hồng, director of Hà Nội Culture and Sports Department, Flow symbolises the flow of heritage, urging the festival to innovate on this foundation. Hà Nội's extensive heritage resources provide fertile ground for creative exploration.

A market corner for young creators. — VNS Photo Kiều Trinh

Trần Phưong Nam, from Complex 01, an association of creative groups of young people, believes in the ongoing relevance of Hà Nội's industrial heritage.

“Our community complex is a redevelopment project from an old printing factory in Hà Nội. Therefore, we believe that Hà Nội's industrial heritage doesn't solely belong to the past. Structures like these, through redevelopment and community engagement, can have positive impacts on both the present and the future,” Nam said.

Spanning 10 exhilarating days, the festival is a vibrant blend of underground and professional creativity. Coming here, visitors can immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of cultural and artistic events that ignite the imagination and offer fresh perspectives.

Fashion show by Vạn Thiên Ý. — Photo courtesy of the Hà Nội Creative Festival 2023 organiser

Installation "Ant" by Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng. — VNS Photo Kiều Trinh

Standing prominently amidst the vast expanse of the ancient factory space are colossal, rugged sculptures of ants intricately crafted from iron and other materials, leaving a powerful impression on viewers.

Sculptor Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, author of the installation, shares his nostalgic idea. Hùng told Việt Nam News: "This time, I'm bringing my installation piece 'Ant' for the audience to savour. The ant species is ubiquitous worldwide, renowned for its diligent, hardworking, patient nature, strong teamwork and discipline. I find this space to be incredibly nostalgic, and intimately connected to my work, creating a clear interaction that complements my artistic expression.”

In a busy corner of the market dedicated to young creators, Trần Trung Hiếu and his colleagues from the Sao Bắc Bookbinding Workshop delicately cherish their hand-made book covers adorned with intricate gold patterns to introduce to potential buyers.

Members of Sao Bac workshop introduce the art of bookbinding to visitors. — VNS Photo Kiều Trinh

They not only sell notebooks but also promote the almost-lost art of bookbinding.

“We are here at the fair to sell notebook products and to promote the bookbinding profession, which has almost been lost in Việt Nam, to let more people know about it. We have also brought bookbinding tools here for visitors to experience activities such as decorating book covers,” Hiếu said.

Nguyễn Văn Trường, Dép lốp creator, preserves the tradition of crafting rubber sandals from recycled tires, dating back to 1947. For him, this craft is deeply meaningful, contributing not only to recycling but also to environmental conservation.

These creators have breathed new life into the Gia Lâm train factory, constructed nearly 120 years ago, infusing it with a rich tapestry of emotions that evoke powerful feelings.

Thu Hà, a visitor who lives near the factory, reminisces about her grandmother's connection to the factory.

“In the past, my grandmother worked as an accountant at the Gia Lâm Train Factory. She used to reside in the housing area designated for the factory's staff. Now, returning to this place fills me with nostalgia,” she said.

"The exploration, restoration, and infusion of new life into this place have left a strong impression on me. I can see that young people returning to discover the cultural heritage of the past, not only preserving it but also revitalising it with a fresh and youthful style, are truly inspiring," she said.

Designed to honour the creative industry's pivotal role in economic growth, the festival aligns itself closely with conservation and protection efforts.

According to Hồng, the festival's crucial aspect is its ripple effect, spanning at least 30 districts of the capital city.

Spread across 17 locations and featuring over 60 events, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 is a celebration of heritage, creativity and the vibrant spirit of innovation. VNS