Celebrating 20 years of Hanoi's Old Quarter as a national heritage site

Hoan Kiem District held a ceremony on 30 November to mark the 20th anniversary of the Old Quarter of Hanoi being declared a National Historic Site and the opening of pedestrian streets.

This event followed a series of activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Hanoi (1954-2024) and the 19th Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23).

Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, stressed that the Old Quarter of Hanoi is not only an architectural ensemble of historical significance, but also a cultural, artistic and spiritual symbol of the thousand-year-old capital. The government and residents of Hoan Kiem District have worked tirelessly over the past 20 years to protect and promote its heritage values.

Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee. Photo: Tung Lam/The Hanoi Times

Historic sites such as Kim Ngan Community House, the old house at 87 Ma May Street, and other distinctive buildings in Hanoi's Old Quarter have been developed and preserved. The people of Hanoi have found great spiritual meaning in intangible cultural traditions, such as the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Old Quarter and the event commemorating the coronation of King Le.

However, Long acknowledged the challenges associated with heritage conservation, particularly the balance between economic and social development and cultural preservation in the midst of rapid urbanization. He called for cooperation between the community and international organizations to ensure the sustainable conservation and development of this heritage area.

Long emphasized key priorities, including improving the legal framework, researching and proposing preservation solutions, raising community awareness, boosting investment in heritage restoration, and enhancing infrastructure. He also stressed the need to encourage community and corporate involvement in preservation efforts and expand international cooperation in this field.

Distinguished guests attending the event. Photo: Tung Lam/The Hanoi Times

Alongside heritage preservation, Hoan Kiem District has been and is expanding pedestrianization, from the original Hang Dao - Dong Xuan pedestrian street (2004), the pedestrianization now includes the Hoan Kiem Lake area (2016) and routes in the southern Old Quarter (2020). These areas have become unique tourism products, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Over the past 20 years, the pedestrian areas have hosted more than 9,000 art performances and thousands of cultural activities and exhibitions, making it a worthy cultural destination. Events such as traditional music performances, handicraft exhibitions, and international art exchange programs have not only enhanced the cultural value of the Old Town, but also facilitated the promotion of commerce, services, and tourism.

Individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Photo: Tung Lam/The Hanoi Times

"Pedestrian areas will provide unique cultural experiences and create opportunities for the development of commerce, services and tourism, contributing to the image of a modern and civilized capital," said Pham Tuan Long.

At the event, awards were presented to individuals and collectives who have made significant contributions to heritage preservation, pedestrian space development, and promotion of Hanoi's Old Quarter's cultural values. The awards recognized not only policymakers, but also artists, researchers, and community representatives who have dedicated themselves to preserving and promoting the heritage of Hanoi's Old Quarter. 

Distinguished guests attending the event. Photo: Tung Lam/The Hanoi Times

The Old Quarter, located near Hoan Kiem Lake, covers 79 streets and is home to 121 temples, pagodas, and shrines, along with over 200 historic houses of exceptional value. It preserves the residential culture of its people through the feudal and colonial periods, making it a living heritage. While intangible values may change, its architectural structures endure.

Local authorities prioritize the preservation and promotion of the Old Quarter’s heritage through targeted restoration and cultural programs. Many renovated sites now host cultural activities, art exchanges, and exhibitions on traditional crafts, highlighting both tangible and intangible cultural values.

With a history spanning over 10 centuries, the Old Quarter has adapted to urbanization while maintaining its unique identity. It remains an endless source of inspiration for various art forms, including architecture, folk art, literature, cinema, and more, all contributing to the conservation of its heritage.