Hue is gradually undertaking the inventory, research and development of a database of its Buddhist woodblocks, with the aim of completing a nomination dossier for UNESCO recognition of Hue Buddhist woodblocks as documentary heritage. This process must go hand in hand with practical conservation measures to safeguard these valuable historical sources for generations to come and promote the cultural and historical values preserved in each carved block.

Drawing on the woodblock prints of traditional Vietnamese folk painting genres such as Dong Ho, Hang Trong, Kim Hoang, and Lang Sinh, the Woodblock Art Experience Space at 23-25 Le Loi Street brings visitors closer to traditional art. Beyond contemplating the artworks, visitors can try printing and coloring the woodblocks while discovering the stories and cultural values behind each piece.

Having withstood countless historical upheavals, tens of thousands of precious Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks were inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2009, becoming Viet Nam’s first World Documentary Heritage. They are currently preserved under strict archival conditions at the National Archives Center No. IV in Da Lat (now located in Cam Ly Ward, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province).

After a period of temporary closure, in early August this year, Ngu Ha Vien – the garden house near Ngu Ha River - reopened with an engaging program introducing the Thanh Liễu woodblock heritage of Hai Duong.

In the article “Pho Loi River through the Nguyen Dynasty’s Woodblock”, the author Thom Quang cited a historical information: “In Dai Nam thuc luc woodblock No. 154, the carved page 2 recorded that in the year At Mui of Lunar Calendar (1835), Emperor Minh Mang issued an edict for Thua Thien Hue Province to dig Pho Loi River”. Pho Loi River stretches along the route from Hue, starting from the point where it meets the Huong River and then flowing out to Thuan An seaport.

Artisans from Thanh Lieu craft village (Hai Duong) have recently given a performance and recounted the journey of reviving and preserving the traditional art of woodblock printing passed down by their ancestors.