Through the “Hoi An Kien Su” virtual reality project and a video exploring the Kitchen Gods tradition, Duy Tan University uses digital creativity to share cultural knowledge and connect younger generations with Vietnam’s heritage.

Cultural heritage lives not only in historic buildings and objects but also in the language, stories, beliefs and customs passed down through generations. These expressions connect communities with their past and give meaning to traditions practised today. Digital media offer additional ways to share this knowledge, allowing audiences to explore cultural content through images, sound and interactive storytelling.

At Duy Tan University (DTU), the “Hoi An Kien Su” virtual reality project and the university-produced video “DTU Kitchen God Rides a Carp to Heaven” illustrate two approaches to this work. One introduces the cultural life of a historic trading port; the other explains a household custom associated with the Lunar New Year.

Exploring Hoi An’s Cultural Life through Virtual Reality

Developed by DTU’s CLICK Studio, “Hoi An Kien Su” recreates Hoi An more than 400 years ago. Preserving and promoting Vietnamese traditional culture was a stated aim of the project. To inform its development, the team researched local history, surveyed the ancient town and collected material in different formats.

CLICK Studio researches and develops “Hoi An Kien Su” at DTU.

The virtual experience presents historical events, lifestyles and daily activities, including the wedding of Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro. Alongside the recreated setting, local characters, language and festival games introduce users to aspects of community life.

Characters and cultural activities bring historic Hoi An to life.

Designed for educational, exhibition and tourism settings, the experience uses role-playing and interactive tasks to encourage exploration. It was recognised among the Top 5 projects at GameHub 2025.

The project connects a heritage place with the stories and practices associated with it, offering audiences a digital introduction to both its historical setting and cultural life.

Sharing the Kitchen Gods Tradition through Video

DTU’s video “DTU Kitchen God Rides a Carp to Heaven” brings to life a Vietnamese tradition closely associated with preparations for the Lunar New Year. Combining storytelling with cultural explanation, the production introduces the Kitchen Gods, known as Tao Quan, and the meaning of their annual journey to heaven.

In Vietnamese folk belief, the Kitchen Gods comprise two male deities and one female deity who watch over the household. On the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, they ride carp to heaven to report household affairs to the Jade Emperor. The annual send-off is a familiar custom passed down through generations.

Through its portrayal of the characters and their journey, the video connects this festive practice with its underlying story and symbolism. It offers younger viewers and audiences unfamiliar with the custom an accessible introduction to Vietnamese cultural heritage.

Publicly available online, the production allows viewers to revisit and share the story, encouraging conversations across generations about family customs and traditional beliefs. Through audiovisual storytelling, DTU supports the transmission of this cultural knowledge to new audiences.

Watch “DTU Kitchen God Rides a Carp to Heaven” here

Bringing Cultural Knowledge to New Audiences

The two productions use different formats to communicate cultural heritage. “Hoi An Kien Su” combines historical research with virtual reconstruction and interaction, while the Kitchen Gods video presents a traditional narrative through audiovisual storytelling.

Their contribution lies in making specific cultural content accessible: the activities, stories and expressions associated with a historical community, and the beliefs surrounding a continuing household custom. These resources create opportunities for audiences to explore, discuss and share cultural knowledge beyond a single visit or celebration.

Through these initiatives, DTU applies its technological and creative expertise to cultural education, supporting the transmission of Vietnamese heritage and encouraging younger generations to engage with the traditions that shape community identity.

(SDG Team)