The event aims to introduce the unique values of the intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO while strengthening cultural exchanges among regions and promoting Bac Ninh's image and tourism.

"Dong Ho Sketches" project team visits Dong Ho painting village to listen to artisans share stories about their craft.

Bac Ninh's exhibition space showcases nearly 100 Dong Ho folk paintings featuring themes of celebrations, daily life, history, worship and painting collections.

The exhibition also presents traditional materials, tools and production processes to help visitors better understand the historical, artistic and technical values of the craft.

Highlights of the programme include hands-on Dong Ho woodblock printing experiences for visitors and displays of products inspired by folk painting motifs, such as lanterns, bamboo cups and key chains.

The event also provides an opportunity for two of Vietnam's best-known folk painting traditions, including Dong Ho paintings from Bac Ninh and Sinh village paintings from Hue to be showcased together, highlighting the diversity of Vietnamese folk art heritage and opening up opportunities for cooperation in heritage preservation and promotion.

Dong Ho folk paintings preserves breath of Vietnam’s villages

BAC NINH - Dong Ho folk paintings, known for their strong folk character and their reflection of the simple, rustic life of rural communities, have long been embedded in Vietnam’s history, poetry and cultural identity. Today, these traditional values continue to be preserved and promoted, as the craft is passed down through generations and expanded beyond village boundaries into various artistic fields, bringing renewed vitality to an art form that has endured many historical changes. 

Dong Ho folk paintings reimagined beyond traditional Do paper

BAC NINH - The rustic imagery, natural colours and distinctive folk spirit of Dong Ho paintings have long inspired artisans, painters and contemporary artists to explore new forms of expression. Moving beyond the traditional Do paper or poonah paper, the centuries-old folk art is undergoing creative reinterpretations that breathe new life into the heritage in modern times.

Dong Ho folk painting craft - UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

On December 9, 2025, in India, the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO adopted a decision inscribing Dong Ho folk painting craft on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

 

Building sustainable foundation for Dong Ho folk painting craft following its inscription

The inscription of the Dong Ho folk painting craft on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding marks an important milestone for Viet Nam in its efforts to preserve and promote traditional forms of heritage currently facing numerous challenges.

 

Unique Dong Ho folk painting art

BAC NINH - At 14:38 Indian time (16:08 Vietnam time) on December 9, at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi, UNESCO officially inscribed Vietnam’s Dong Ho folk painting craft on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Dong Ho folk painting craft added to UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list

This is Vietnam’s 17th intangible cultural heritage element recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).