The Hoan Kiem District People's Committee on November 30 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hanoi's Old Quarter being declared a National Historic Site.

Hoan Kiem District – A cultural heritage hub of the capital

As the administrative, political, economic, and cultural center of the capital, Hoan Kiem District boasts 190 historical and cultural landmarks, including two special national relics and 37 national-level sites. Among these, Hanoi's Old Quarter stands out as a prominent cultural, architectural, and historical symbol, preserving centuries of heritage. The daily life of its citizens as well as its historical architectural landmarks bear witness to its diverse culture.

Hoan Kiem District has taken creative steps to protect and enhance its cultural heritage over the past two decades, successfully integrating these efforts with socio-economic growth. The official designation of the Old Quarter as a National Historic Site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2004 marked a significant turning point. In the same year, the district inaugurated its first pedestrian zone along Hang Dao and Dong Xuan Streets, laying the groundwork for the expansion of services, business and tourism, which are strongly linked to the cultural heritage of the Old Quarter.

Hang Vai Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Photo: Ho Ha/Kinh te & Do thi

The district has made extensive efforts to preserve and restore its tangible heritage and rejuvenate traditional festivals. To date, 14 major festivals have been successfully revived, including King Le's Coronation Festival, Bach Ma Temple Festival, Yen Thai Temple, Kim Ngan Temple, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Old Quarter. These festivals not only breathe new life into Hanoi's cultural traditions but also attract residents and tourists, cementing their role as major cultural highlights in the capital.

The pedestrian zones in Hanoi's Old Quarter have become a unique and popular tourist feature, contributing significantly to the flourishing trade, services, and tourism. Pedestrian streets such as Hang Dao - Dong Xuan, the Hoan Kiem Lake area and its surroundings, and the extended connection between the southern Old Quarter and the northern Hoan Kiem Lake have been successfully established. Since then, these pedestrian streets have hosted more than 9,345 arts performances, showcasing a dynamic mix of traditional and modern arts and providing a vibrant cultural experience for all visitors.

Highlights of the celebration

The 20th-anniversary celebration is an opportunity for Hoan Kiem District to reflect on its achievements and outline strategies for future development. From December 1 to December 15, 2024, an exhibition will be held at the Cultural and Arts Center, 22 Hang Buom Street, showcasing images, projects, and conservation efforts aimed at preserving and enhancing the value of the Old Quarter and its pedestrian areas.

From November 29 to December 15, a series of cultural events will take place in key locations throughout the district. These activities include art performances, traditional music concerts, exhibitions, and interactive experiences highlighting artisan villages and historic streets. The main venues include the Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Zone, Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center (No. 50 Dao Duy Tu Street), Heritage House (No. 87 Ma May Street,) and Kim Ngan Temple (No. 42 - No. 44 Hang Bac Street). These events offer both residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in and appreciate the distinctive cultural identity of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

On this special occasion, Hoan Kiem District reaffirms its commitment to implementing the resolution of the Hanoi Party Committee on the development of cultural industries for the period 2021-2025, with plans extending to 2030 and a long-term vision for 2045. As the revised Capital Law comes into effect on January 1, 2025, the district also aims to expand its initiatives in cultural preservation and development to enhance the global perception of its heritage.

Hoan Kiem District calls for continued support and cooperation from all levels of government, sectors, organizations, and individuals to preserve and promote its rich cultural values. This collective effort is essential to ensure that Hanoi's Old Quarter remains a lasting cultural and historical emblem of the capital and the nation while contributing to strengthening Vietnam's projection on the global stage.