Asking for calligraphy from a scholar, seeing snake paintings at the Temple of Literature

On the afternoon of January 23, at Van Lake, part of the special national relic of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam (Hanoi), the Spring Calligraphy Festival of At Ty 2025 officially opened to welcome the public.

This year's program brings together 47 calligraphers, all of whom are calligraphy activists selected through a selection process.

City leaders visit the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2025. Photo: Mai Chi

Calligraphy performance at the opening ceremony of the program. Photo: Mai Chi

In particular, this year’s Spring Calligraphy Festival left its mark with the Ho Van space being completely renovated and refurbished. This innovation not only creates an airy and safe space but also enhances the experience of visitors on their journey to discover early spring culture.

The activity of asking for and giving calligraphy took place at the tents of 47 calligraphers. Photo: Mai Chi

In addition to the typical calligraphy activities of asking for and giving calligraphy, 3 special exhibitions are held in this area. The calligraphy exhibition “Real Learning” displays 100 works of Han Nom and Quoc Ngu calligraphy, honoring the nation’s tradition of learning and respect for words. The works are inspired by the legacy of famous people such as Le Thanh Tong, Chu Van An, Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Du, etc., arousing pride and encouraging the younger generation to contribute to their homeland.

More than 100 unique calligraphy works are displayed at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam. Photo: Mai Chi

In addition, the photo exhibition “My Homeland Vietnam” brings 50 excellent photographic works selected from the “Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2012-2018”. The photos capture impressive moments of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, nature and people.

The exhibition “Drawing the Snake” brings 77 illustrations by 75 domestic and foreign artists, showing diverse perspectives on the mascot of the Year of the Snake in traditional and modern culture.

The exhibition “Drawing the Snake” brings many interesting and creative stories about the symbol of the Snake. Photo: Mai Chi

In the inner temple area, visitors can enjoy the exhibitions “Old traces of culture 3: Thien Quang” and “Storytelling stele 2”, recreating the cultural and educational values of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.

According to Mr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the Spring Calligraphy Festival is an interesting cultural meeting place during Tet. "The diverse exhibitions and experiential activities create a colorful space. From there, they connect people with the good traditional values of the nation" - Mr. Le Xuan Kieu said.

Tourists enjoy activities at the Spring Calligraphy Festival. Photo: Mai Chi

Coming to the Spring Calligraphy Festival for the first time, Ms. Luu Mai (65 years old, HCMC) was excited to participate in the activities here. “The Spring Calligraphy Festival contributes to preserving and promoting the tradition of writing in the digital age. I hope there will be more similar cultural events so that people from all over the country have the opportunity to experience them” - Ms. Mai shared.

In addition to the above exhibitions, the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2025 also organizes many unique cultural activities such as: reading culture space, displaying craft village products, folk games and traditional art performances. The event lasts until February 9 (January 12, At Ty year), open to visitors from 8am to 10pm daily.

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