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Hanoi: Relic restored in capital's heart
Jenna Duong - Ngoc Tu 23:24, 2024/09/08
The extensive restoration of Dien Hong Flower Garden is a key initiative of Hoan Kiem District People's Committee to preserve this valuable Hanoi heritage.

The Hoan Kiem District Project Management Board has reported that the restoration of Dien Hong Park, also known as Vuon Hoa Con Coc or Toad Flower Garden, is progressing fast.

The project is slated to be completed by November 2024. Notably, the 120-year-old fountain will be dismantled for repairs, with its interior bricks replaced with reinforced concrete.

Local authorities assured that the "treasure of the capital" would be thoroughly renovated to ensure its durability, as it is Hanoi's oldest fountain, and to provide safety for visitors.

 The Toad Garden or Chavassieux Flower Garden, covering an area of 4,488 square meters, was built by the French colonists in memory of Léon Jean Laurent Chavassieux (1848-1895), the deputy governor general of Indochina at the time. Photos: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times
 The relic is located in Trang Tien Ward, at the intersection of Ngo Quyen, Ly Thai To, and Le Phung Hieu Streets.
 It is considered one of Hanoi's most prominent historical and architectural landmarks, combining both Eastern and Western influences.
 The Toad Fountain was designed by architect Harlay and built by contractor Guillaume. Because of the unique feature of four toads spraying water, it is often called "Toad Flower Garden" instead of "Dien Hong Park". 
 Over time, the monument has deteriorated, so it has been bound with steel straps to preserve its structure.
The fountain was cracked by a banyan tree growing inside the water tower.
In addition, the water tank is leaking and the sprinkler system is out of order.
Steel straps were used as a temporary reinforcement option by the Hanoi Department of Construction in 2020 to hold up the stone structures.
 The current renovation is being carried out by the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee in cooperation with the PRX Institute - representative of the Île-de-France region (France) in Vietnam - and De-So Asia Design Consultant JSC.
 Each section of the fountain will be dismantled, with the internal brick structure replaced with reinforced concrete. The components will then be reassembled in their original positions.
 Transparent fences allow people to observe the restoration process of the relic.
Renovation details have been announced to the public.
Once renovated, this place would be as charming "as a toad" by the end of 2024.
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TAG: Toad Flower Garden; Hanoi tourist attraction
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