They practice the craft as a way to honour their ancestors and also as a means of earning additional income during the agricultural off-season. The Dong Ho people are creative and full of dreams, yet few ever imagined that one day their village’s craft would be recognised as a world heritage.

Vice Chairman of Bac Ninh provincial People’s Committee Le Xuan Loi presents the painting “The Buffalo Boy Playing the Flute” to Ernesto Renato Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.

In 2013, the Dong Ho folk painting craft was recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2017, a national dossier was prepared to propose UNESCO include it in the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. In March 2020, Vietnam officially submitted the dossier “Dong Ho Folk Painting Craft” to UNESCO for consideration.

In early 2023, the Dong Ho Folk Painting Conservation Centre was inaugurated, displaying artifacts and images, while artisans demonstrated their craft right in the nearly 500-year-old village - clear evidence of the attention and support from the Bac Ninh provincial authorities.

In early April 2025, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris (France), Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van chaired a meeting with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Renato Ottone Ramirez to review dossiers submitted by provinces seeking UNESCO recognition.

On behalf of Bac Ninh’s leadership, Le Xuan Loi, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, respectfully proposed UNESCO evaluate the dossier “Dong Ho Folk Painting Craft” according to the agreed roadmap.

The Dong Ho folk painting craft has a long history, using woodblock printing to depict daily life, emotions, and cultural traditions of people in the Northern Delta. From carved woodblocks and do paper to pigments and tools, all materials are made from natural sources.

International visitors experience Dong Ho painting printing at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.

With a spirit of openness and experience in preserving and promoting UNESCO-recognised heritage, Bac Ninh province is committed to implementing programmes to safeguard and enhance the value of this craft, enriching both Vietnamese and global culture.

The province has actively collaborated with relevant organisations to promote Dong Ho folk painting internationally, including in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and the United States, receiving positive feedback from audiences.

Ernesto Renato Ottone Ramirez highly appreciated Bac Ninh’s efforts in preparing the dossier, preserving, transmitting, investing in, and promoting the craft both domestically and internationally. UNESCO values traditional cultural heritage and remains committed to supporting countries and localities in preservation and promotion efforts.

At 14:38 on December 9, 2025 (local time), in New Delhi, India, during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO officially inscribed the “Dong Ho Folk Painting Craft” on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

This marks the 17th UNESCO-recognised heritage of Vietnam, bringing pride not only to the people of Bac Ninh but to the entire nation. It affirms the unique historical and artistic values of the craft and motivates artisans to continue preserving their traditional skills and secrets.

Each Dong Ho painting not only preserves Vietnamese cultural identity but also serves as a messenger promoting Vietnam’s culture to the world, thereby fostering national pride.

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).

 

Dong Ho folk paintings shine at Vietnam’s national exhibition

BAC NINH - As Vietnam marks its 80-year journey of independence, freedom and happiness, traditional Dong Ho folk paintings from Bac Ninh province are set to take center stage at the national achievements exhibition in Hanoi, offering a vivid reminder that culture remains a core part of the country’s identity.

Kinh Bac, a land of heritage

BAC NINH - The Kinh Bac region, now Bac Ninh province, is widely regarded as a “land of heritage,” rich in historical depth and cultural identity. The area is home to numerous cultural treasures recognised globally, including Quan Ho folk singing, Ca Tru ceremonial singing, and Then practices of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups, as well as the woodblocks of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the Huu Chap tug-of-war festival, and Dong Ho folk painting.

Heritage exhibitions, performances promote Kinh Bac cultural values

BAC NINH - A series of heritage exhibitions and performances within the framework of the “Returning to the Heritage Region – 2026” Festival not only honours the distinctive cultural values of the Kinh Bac region but also creates immersive spaces, bringing heritage closer to the public and visitors.

Quintessence of Kinh Bac culture shines with world heritages

BAC NINH- A ceremony to receive UNESCO certificate recognising Dong Ho folk paintings as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding, announce the recognition of Yen Tu- Vinh Nghiem- Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes as a World Heritage Site and open the “Returning to the Heritage Land 2026” Festival will take place on March 27 evening at 3/2 square.