An opening ceremony for the expansion of the walking space to the south of Hanoi’s Old Quarter area will be held on the evening of December 31 at Kim Ngan Temple, at 42-44 Hang Bac street in the Old Quarter.

The weekend walking space around Hoan Kiem lake is the favorite destination for Hanoians and tourists. Photo: Pham Hung

On the same day, the weekend walking space around Hoan Kiem lake and the surrounding area will also open, one day earlier than usual (from Friday to Sunday) to coincide with the 2021 New Year celebration.

Earlier, the district People's Committee proposed to open the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian space not from Friday as usual, but from 7pm on December 31 (Thursday) and over the weekend until 12pm from January 3, 2021 (Sunday); and the opening ceremony for the expansion of the pedestrian area south of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Normally, the walking streets are open from Friday night to Sunday night, from 7:00pm to 12:00pm in summer and from 6:00pm to 12:00pm in winter.

The local authority is requested to ensure traffic safety, security and order for the four day opening of the pedestrian area.

On the occasion of the New Year's Day 2021, the People's Committee of the district will organize fireworks display and launch many activities in the Hoan Kiem lake area on the night of December 31.  

The weekend walking space in the capital city was resumed from September 18 after being closed since August 21 to prevent the second wave of Covid-19 that broke out in the city of Danang in July. Pedestrians are requested to wear face masks, comply with basic hygiene and hand sanitation requirements.