The essence of Hanoians (Trang An) live on in the way of life of a new generation
WVR - From the profound heritage of millennia, Hanoi not only preserves its precious legacies but also nurtures a beauty crystallized from the scholarly tradition, benevolence, and civilized lifestyle of the Trang An people.
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In the era of integration and development, a young generation in the capital continues to embody and spread the image of elegant and civilized Hanoians through small yet meaningful actions.
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| The essence of Trang An (Hanoians) in the way of life of a new generation: Khanh Van is a student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, growing up in the land of Ha Thanh. (Photo: Courtesy by author) |
Living beautifully through simple acts
Born and raised in the thousand-year-old capital, Tran Khanh Van, a student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, believes that preserving the charm of Trang An is not something distant or grand, but begins with the simplest deeds in everyday life.
“To me, keeping the elegance of Hanoians is not about doing great things. It lies in every greeting, every word we use each day. I have always believed that communication itself is a cultural behaviour - a reflection of the poise and refinement of the people of Hanoi”, Van shared.
For Khanh Van, one’s manner of speaking reflects deeply the education and character of Hanoians. In old Trang An, whether in a grand house or a humble hut, parents would always teach their children to speak with modesty and respect.
She added, “I still remember my parents often saying: A kind word reflects a beautiful soul. Simple phrases like ‘ạ’, ‘dạ’, ‘thưa bố’, ‘thưa mẹ’ may sound ordinary, yet they show deep respect and gratitude. If young people can preserve that, the essence of Hanoi will live on forever”.
Responsibility in every action
Growing up in the heart of the capital, Ngo Duc Hai, 20, believes that maintaining the refined character of Hanoians is a tangible responsibility that must be demonstrated through concrete actions.
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| Duc Hai is a native of Hanoi. (Photo: Courtesy by author) |
“Elegance and gentleness are not just what we say, but what we do. Awareness without action would only leave things in memory. Like other young Hanoians, I believe we must turn civility and sophistication into our breath, our habits - something natural in our daily lives”, Hai emphasised.
Hai also shared that the aspiration to preserve the soul of Ha Thanh must be nurtured through three dimensions - individual, community, and education. Every “thank you” and “sorry”, every kind act like picking up a piece of litter, queueing politely in public, or giving up a seat on the bus for the elderly, is a way to safeguard the Trang An spirit.
When responsibility becomes pride and action becomes habit, the soul of Hanoi will never fade - it will continue to live in the rhythm of the city.
Integrating while preserving the Ha Thanh spirit
Amidst a fast-developing and globalising Hanoi, where glass towers reflect onto ancient streets, Hoang Mai Anh chooses to live gracefully, upholding the elegance and compassion that define Trang An culture.
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| Mai Anh was born and raised in Co Loa, Dong Anh, Hanoi. (Photo: Courtesy by author) |
For Mai Anh, integration does not mean assimilation, but rather the ability to select and embrace global values that enrich Hanoi’s own identity.
She shared: “When exposed to foreign cultures, I always ask myself: Does this trend help me become a kinder person? Does it affect the elegance and gentleness that define my family and the streets where I grew up? If it’s just a superficial fad, I’ll pass”.
For her, literature about Hanoi is a nurturing source for the soul - a “fresh stream of water” that nourishes the beauty of those born and raised on the thousand-year-old land of Kinh Ky.
The writings of Thach Lam and Vu Bang evoke the grace and civility of Hanoians, deepening Mai Anh’s love and reverence for the city’s spirit.
Spreading values through youthful creativity
Beyond inheriting traditional cultural values, young people today are actively spreading the elegance and refinement of the capital through their own creativity.
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| The current generation not only inherits valuable spiritual heritage but also contributes to blending the “Hà Thành essence” with the breath of the times through their thoughts and actions. (Source: hanoimoi) |
The Du ca Pho di bo Ho Guom (Hanoi Street Music Community, at walking street Ho Guong) is a vivid example of how the youth nurture and express the Hanoian spirit through music.
For years, on Saturday evenings, their songs have resonated through the heart of the city - a universal language of love, grace and the Hanoian soul.
From community activities to creative communication campaigns, Hanoi’s youth are bringing fresh energy to the city’s cultural identity - dynamic and modern, yet deeply rooted in its distinctive traditions.
Today’s generation not only inherits a rich spiritual legacy but also contributes to blending the Ha Thanh essence with the rhythm of the times - through their own ways of thinking and living.
