The Ba Dinh District government held an event on October 8 to celebrate the completion of the Ngoc Khanh Lake area renovation.

The cerenomy marks the completion of the renovation project at Ngoc Khanh Lake. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

The renovation is part of the district's series of activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024).

The renovated area covers a total of 3.6 hectares in Ngoc Khanh Ward at a total cost of VND30 billion (US$1.2 million).

After the renovation project, cultural and popular activities will be organized around the lake, said Ta Nam Chien, Chairman of the Ba Dinh District People's Committee.

"The Ngoc Khanh Lake area will be developed into an important tourist destination, providing a relaxing walking space with various services for locals and travelers visiting the district and the capital," he said.

He also urged Ngoc Khanh Ward authorities and residents to lead a modern lifestyle and protect the environment and green spaces.

Chien said it is necessary to support local businesses and organize creative activities to attract tourists.

Ba Dinh District will continue with specific projects to improve the embankments and water quality of Ngoc Khanh Lake, the chairman said.

"We will expand the walking space to the small alleys as they are a unique feature of Hanoi to make the area more charming and inviting," Chien said.

Ngoc Khanh Lake is one of the most important green areas in Hanoi. During an expansion of the lake in 1983, numerous archaeological artifacts were unearthed. These findings included iron weapons and stone bullets, as well as remnants of ancient architecture.

Historical records and scientific research then confirmed that this area was once the Giang Vo Military Training Complex. During the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties (1010 - 1792), the complex was used for combat and tactical training.

The complex covered the area of Giang Vo, Kim Ma, and Ngoc Khanh wards in Ba Dinh District. Artifacts from the site, believed to date back to the 1480s during the Later Le Dynasty, reflect the nation's long tradition of military excellence and endeavors to protect the country.

Today, Ngoc Khanh Lake is becoming a bustling place with shops and restaurants. The renovation project carried out by Ba Dinh District aims to preserve the historical value of this area and incorporate elements that evoke the legacy of the Giang Vo Training Complex, thus combining history with modern life.