An 820-meter-long, multi-street pedestrian zone surrounding the Sơn Tây Old Fortress in suburban Hanoi is set to open in time for Reunification Day on April 30.
VnExpress reports that the area 40 kilometers outside of downtown Hanoi is expected to boost tourism as an entertainment and cultural hub. Authorities also hope it raises the profile of the old fortress built by King Minh Mạng in 1822 to protect the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel.
Specifically, the vehicle-free area will include portions of Phó Đức Chính and Phan Châu Trinh streets, Sơn Tây town, the outer road surrounding the Old Fortress, a flower garden in the town center, a central flower garden square, the front yard of the town's cultural center and the town stadium square.
On Reunification Day weekend, from 7pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday, the pedestrian zone will host art, music and dance performances, as well as boat racing and fishing, in addition to book events and children-centric activities. Unique food and souvenirs will also be on sale.
This is the fourth pedestrian area to be unveiled in the capital following ones around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the Old Quarter and Trịnh Công Sơn Street. The first space surrounding Hoàn Kiếm Lake was established in 2004 and later expanded and represents one of the most popular areas in the city for families and youths to frolic. It is set to re-open on March 18 with health requirements in place after nearly a year closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Photo by Joerg Reschke via Flickr]
