Vietnam’s cultural identity promoted through Heritage Road Show at Da Nang airport
DNO - Traditional art performances and hands-on cultural activities at Da Nang International Airport’s International Terminal (T2), held as part of the “Heritage Road Show”, are helping showcase Da Nang’s cultural identity to international visitors.
A wide range of experiences
At noon on Wednesdays, the Thanh Tien paper-flower folding workshop area at Terminal 2 of Da Nang International Airport becomes more bustling as many international visitors stop by to take part in the activity.
On small tables, colored paper, glue and scissors are prepared in advance. Under the guidance of artisans, many passengers, particularly children, carefully fold each petal before boarding their flights.
Ms. Yoon Ji-an, a Korean visitor, said “At many airports I have been to, waiting for a flight usually means resting or shopping. In Da Nang, I had the chance to sit with an artisan, make a paper flower myself and learn the story behind this traditional craft. It has become one of the memorable moments of my trip”.
On Saturdays, the workshop space shifts to traditional ‘Tuong’ (classical drama) mask painting, with the guidance of artists from the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre.
Mr. Ethan Brooks, a tourist from Australia, shared at first, he was just drawn to the colors of the masks.
After hearing the artist’s explanation, he realized that every line has its own meaning and is associated with a particular character on stage. It is not simply an entertaining activity but a truly impressive experience.
Workshops on paper-flower making and ‘Tuong’ mask painting, along with artistic performances, are all part of the “Heritage Road Show” at Da Nang International Airport’s Terminal T2.
What we hope is that after leaving Da Nang, every visitor will take home a story about Vietnamese culture. For those of us working in traditional arts, this is also a way to share the traditional crafts and cultural heritage of our ancestors with people from around the world.
Meritorious Artist Nguyen Tan Dong from the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre
According to Meritorious Artist Nguyen Tan Dong of the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre, the enthusiastic response from visitors is what makes the artists who lead the workshops happiest and most moved.
He added each experiential session will become an open exchange between artisans and visitors, transcending language and cultural barriers.
A space of cultural identity
Launched in late 2022, the “Heritage Road Show” has been held weekly, featuring a diverse range of activities such as traditional art performances, conical hat painting, Thanh Tien paper-flower folding, and Hoi An lantern making.
The program is jointly organized by the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT) and the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre, the Da Nang College, the Hoi An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage and the ANA Entertainment & Media Co., Ltd.
To date, the program has hosted hundreds of performances and workshops, becoming an impressive stop for international visitors.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Director of the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre, said Tuong performances allowed visitors to appreciate the beauty of this traditional art form, while the workshops gave them an opportunity to experience it firsthand and learn about its characters, colors and artistic language.
"These activities will help bring Vietnam’s Tuong closer to international visitors and promote traditional cultural values alongside tourism development” she voiced her hope.
Meanwhile, artists from the Traditional Performing Arts House bring performances deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the heritage town, including traditional instrumental music, traditional singing and dancing, ‘Ao dai’ performances and ‘bai choi’.
Additionally, the hands-on experience of making traditional lanterns attracts particular interest from visitors.
According to Mr. Do Trong Hau, Deputy General Director of AHT, the “Heritage Road Show” has established a unique identity, helping to make culture an integral part of the passenger experience.
Through the "Heritage Road Show", we hope to spread Vietnam’s cultural identity and build Da Nang’s image as a destination offering rich and diverse experiences to international visitors.
Mr. Do Trong Hau, Deputy General Director of AHT