Hà Nội to open new pedestrian zone

A corner of Sơn Tây old fortress citadel.  — Photo courtesy of vov.vn

HÀ NỘI — On National Reunification Day (April 30), visitors can explore many cultural events at Sơn Tây old fortress citadel, the new pedestrian zone in Hà Nội.

The zone also aims to promote the image of the Sơn Tây fortress, a military base built by King Minh Mạng in 1822 to protect Thăng Long Imperial Citadel.

It also promises to become a space for entertainment, culture and tourism.

The 820-metre-long walking area spreads over Phó Đức Chính and Phan Chu Trinh Street, Sơn Tây Town; outer road of Sơn Tây old fortress citadel; flower garden in the town centre; central flower garden area square; the front yard of the town’s cultural centre and town stadium square.

It is scheduled to open from 7pm Saturday until noon on Sunday, with contemporary art performances, street music, folk dance, portrait painting, calligraphy, boat racing, fishing, and water puppetry.

Many art and photo exhibitions, book events as well as activities for children will also be held.

Visitors will also have the chance to experience unique culinary services, buy souvenirs and typical products of Sơn Tây at the pedestrian zone.

Sơn Tây town is one of the five satellite towns of Hà Nội with the main functions of cultural, historical, ecological tourism, commercial services on the basis of preserving traditional cultural heritage.

Sơn Tây old fortress citadel is the fourth pedestrian zone of Hà Nội to be launched, after the three walking spaces of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hà Nội’s Old Quarter and Trịnh Công Sơn Street.

In the near future, Hà Nội is expected to have a number of other walking spaces to boost tourism. —VnExpress News