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The opening ceremony for the lantern festival took place on August 24 in the German town. The event showcased a 110sq.m display of lanterns, created with the help of artisans from Hoi An City and Wernigerode. The purpose of this display was to introduce a piece of Hoi An’s UNESCO-recognised world heritage to local residents and visitors from Europe. This lantern festival serves as an opportunity to promote the value of the craft that has been preserved by Hoi An for centuries. It also aims to boost the tourism potential of Hoi An in Europe. During the festival, local craftsmen from Hoi An will showcase lantern decorations in Wernigerode, as well as perform art demonstrations and display lantern-making skills. Additionally, a collection of 20 driftwood sculptures is on display at the park for the duration of the two-day festival. Furthermore, Hoi An and Wernigerode have agreed to collaborate on the construction of an eco-road or “green” street in Hoi An starting next year. This...

The animals are in demand as some people want to raise them for luck in the Year of the Cat.  On January 13, a man named De from the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum peddled an over-3kg wildcat at VND2.2 million (US$94), claiming the animal to be ‘pure’ and trapped around a week ago. According to De, people raise wildcats as they are believed to bring luck, and also because of their fierce looks. Buyers choose the size of the cat at their will, De added. “People who buy the cats for eating prefer big felines, those who raise them choose smaller ones, and those who want to breed them also choose the big ones,” he said.  To purchase a wildcat, buyers need to make a deposit before De deliver the animal by passenger bus.  “I have to receive a deposit before I send them, this animal is in the Red List,” he explained.  “However, many people now raise them.” De also confirmed that he would give his buyers a refund in case of any problem in ...