Entertainment

The Heart of the City: Revitalizing Pedestrian Spaces

Hanoi's pedestrian zones have witnessed a contrasting fate over the years. While some areas continue to exude an enchanting allure, luring visitors with their timeless appeal, others have sadly succumbed to a state of neglect and desolation.

Administrator

16 December, 2024

The Hanoi authorities have demonstrated their commitment to innovation by redesigning activities, products, and procedures to encourage business investment, ultimately enhancing the appeal of local pedestrian areas.

In the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa culinary pedestrian area, tourists are treated to an immersive experience that captures the essence of Hanoi during the subsidy years, complete with evocative exhibits.

Revitalizing the Areas with a Fresh Look

A captivating live art performance illuminates Hoan Kiem Lake at night, enchanting visitors and locals alike.

The Hanoi Tourism Department and the Ba Dinh District People’s Committee joined forces to organize a captivating night tourism promotion, including the introduction of Tram Line 6 in the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa culinary pedestrian area. This nostalgic touch of recreating public transportation from the subsidy years offered a unique experience that drew a substantial crowd.

The event also offered a trip down memory lane with activities reminiscent of a bygone era, such as decorating with subsidy coupons, vintage-style photography, and savoring culinary delights from that period. These distinctive touches transformed the walking space into a sought-after photo opportunity, capturing the imagination of many visitors.

Tran Thu Trang, an attendee from Dong Da District, shared her appreciation for the vivid, beautiful, and meaningful decorations that brought the old Hanoi way of life to life, helping younger generations understand the challenges of the past.

Hoan Kiem Lake at night, a serene and captivating sight.

Ta Nam Chien, Chairman of the Ba Dinh District People’s Committee, explained that Tram Line 6 was a collaborative effort between the local government and the community to rejuvenate tourism products and promote pedestrian streets as hubs of creativity and innovation.

Hanoi’s pedestrian areas are undergoing a transformation, with the Son Tay Ancient Citadel Pedestrian Zone in Son Tay City leading the way. This area has become a hotspot for high-quality programs, including the captivating “Doai Melody” music program and the enchanting “Ancient Citadel Mid-Autumn Festival – Son Tay Xu Doai.”

Additionally, the Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street in Hai Ba Trung District has played host to significant events like the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival and the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival. The pedestrian area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter have also emerged as creative art spaces for the city’s youth, regularly showcasing street performances and hosting major capital events.

Creating Incentives to Encourage Business Investment

A visitor soaking in the serene atmosphere at the Temple of Literature at night.

Hanoi is currently home to six vibrant walking areas: the Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Zone and its surroundings, the Hanoi Old Quarter with its cultural richness, the Son Tay Ancient Citadel Pedestrian Zone, the Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street, the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa Culinary Pedestrian Quarter, and the tranquil Trinh Cong Son Walking Street.

The Hoan Kiem Lake area, the Hanoi Old Quarter, and the Son Tay Citadel are particularly popular, attracting 10,000-20,000 visitors each weekend night due to their advantageous locations, cultural significance, historical depth, and scenic beauty.

However, the remaining walking areas often find themselves less crowded, which presents a challenge when seeking funding for innovation. Tay Ho District, for instance, adjusted its focus from a “Street Food and Art Performance Space” to a “Creative Cultural Space” on Trinh Cong Son Walking Street to address lower-than-expected footfall.

The interior of the Temple of Literature at night, a peaceful and enlightening experience.

To enhance the appeal of these spaces, the district is introducing enticing offers, such as the Hanoi Lotus Festival and the recently opened Tay Ho District OCOP Product Promotion and Sales Center.

Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street faces a similar challenge, with low visitor numbers on weeks without events or festivals. Experts identify issues with the environment, human resources, product development, event management, and recreational activities as factors that hinder the effective management and maintenance of pedestrian areas, impacting their ability to attract tourists.

Finding ways to consistently and sustainably enhance their allure is crucial. Artist Nguyen The Son, who has been involved in numerous community art projects for Hanoi’s creative spaces, suggested transforming walking spaces into creative havens that showcase the unique cultural identity of each locality while avoiding a monotony of activities.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter pulsates with life and energy after dark, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Le Thanh Thao, Chairman of the Hanoi Travel Association, emphasized the importance of establishing mechanisms to encourage organizations and businesses to invest in and organize regular activities within these zones, prioritizing cultural and creative endeavors that benefit the community.

The Hanoi Tourism Department and the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports are actively collaborating with local communities to organize cultural and tourism activities in these pedestrian zones, recognizing their potential to become vibrant hubs.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, affirmed their ongoing support for localities in organizing and promoting suitable tourism products and creating attractive itineraries for visitors in the coming periods, ensuring the efficient utilization of Hanoi’s walking spaces.