Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Thanh Trung delivered the opening remarks at the press conference.

The Con Son–Kiep Bac Festival – Autumn 2026 will take place from September 26 to October 4, featuring several new elements in its organization. Highlights include the unveiling of the brand identity for the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Scenic Landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage property; adopting an open approach to the festival, with local residents and visitors at the center; and promoting the application of digital technology.

This year’s festival takes place at a particularly significant time, as Hai Phong is home to five component sites of the World Heritage property: Con Son Pagoda, Kiep Bac Temple, Thanh Mai Pagoda, Kinh Chu Cave, and Nham Duong Pagoda. This provides favorable conditions for the city to promote the value of its heritage, connect destinations, and gradually develop distinctive cultural tourism products.

The festival will feature commemorative activities marking the 726th death anniversary of national hero Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan and the 584th death anniversary of national hero and World Cultural Celebrity Nguyen Trai. Traditional ceremonies will continue to be held, including the Cao Yet Ceremony, the Procession of the Royal Edict, the Seal Opening Ceremony at Kiep Bac Temple, the Peace Prayer and Lantern Festival, the Procession Ceremony, the Worship Ceremony, and the death anniversary ceremony of Duc Thanh Tran.

The main day of the festival will be September 26 (the 16th day of the eighth lunar month), featuring commemorative activities honoring Nguyen Trai and Tran Hung Dao, the opening of the Con Son–Kiep Bac Festival, and the unveiling of the brand identity for the World Heritage property.

World Heritage Brand Identity to Be Unveiled

Speaking at the press conference, Le Duy Manh, Deputy Head of the Con Son–Kiep Bac Relic Management Board, said that a key highlight of the festival will be the unveiling of the brand identity for the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Scenic Landscapes during the opening ceremony on the evening of September 26.

The brand identity is built around three core values: “Wisdom – Harmony – Spreading.” Its symbol features a chrysanthemum flower set within a bodhi leaf, combined with stylized chrysanthemum leaf motifs.

The chrysanthemum evokes the artistic legacy of the Tran Dynasty and its spirit of engagement with worldly life. The bodhi leaf symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment, while the interconnected leaf motifs represent the connection and dissemination of cultural values across space and time.

The unveiling of the brand identity marks a new step in promoting and maximizing the value of the heritage following its inscription by UNESCO. It aims to establish a unified visual identity for the World Heritage property across Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh.

An Open Festival Designed to Enhance Visitor Experiences

A notable new feature this year is the open approach to organizing the festival, with priority given to local residents and visitors. The festival opening area will accommodate approximately 5,000 people, including around 2,500 spaces for residents and visitors to attend freely.

The two relic sites will be upgraded and landscaped, with enhanced visual identity systems. The organizers will also set up decorative installations and photo opportunities for visitors.

Digital technology will be used directly to support attendees through QR codes on the Smart Hai Phong platform, providing information about the festival program, activity-area maps, parking areas, traffic directions, attractions, as well as dining, accommodation and entertainment services.

During the nine-day festival, a Cultural, Tourism and Trade Promotion Week will be held in the area in front of Kiep Bac Temple. The event will showcase heritage values, traditional craft villages, cuisine, OCOP products, and Hai Phong’s signature agricultural products.

The festival will also feature promotional performances and hands-on experiences of traditional crafts, including pottery making, calligraphy, lotus and chrysanthemum tea preparation. Visitors can enjoy folk performances and water puppetry while exploring distinctive cultural products.

The Organizing Committee will also introduce tourism products associated with the five component sites of the World Heritage property in Hai Phong, while connecting tours and travel routes with Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh.