Hanoi to transform Hoan Kiem Lakeside into Van Hien Avenue

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi authorities have unveiled a comprehensive plan to renovate  Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square  and its surrounding areas, with Dinh Tien Hoang Street slated for transformation into Van Hien (Civilization) Avenue - a new cultural and historical axis where past, present and future converge.

The ambitious project, which includes the renovation of buildings and streets opposite  Hoan Kiem Lake, is being implemented in phases by the Hoan Kiem Ward.

In the first phase, the “Shark Jaw” building at No. 1-3 Dinh Tien Hoang Street was successfully demolished. Its facade has since been equipped with LED screens and adorned with flags and flowers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2).

Plans involve the removal of the median strip on the Dinh Tien Hoang dual carriageway. The existing tree system will be preserved, and new traffic flow arrangements will be introduced. The square's surface will be paved with concrete to create a flat, unified space with a gentle slope toward the sidewalk of Hoan Kiem Lake. To maintain flexibility, mobile flowerpots will be used, which can be repositioned on weekends.

A key highlight of the project is the creation of a cultural-historical axis along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, stretching from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to the current fountain area.

Phase two of the plan will focus on implementing detailed landscape architecture, including the installation of lighting towers and underground infrastructure, in accordance with direction from the Hanoi People's Committee. This phase will also involve a study on reconstructing the facades of related buildings, a comprehensive paving of the square and the addition of new urban utilities.

Furthermore, Thuy Ta Restaurant, an integral part of the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square expansion, has undergone significant renovation, with inappropriate structures dismantled.

Alongside these renovations, the Hoan Kiem Ward is planning to develop the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake into a cultural park. This new green space will extend from Tran Nguyen Han Street to the Department of Culture and Sports headquarters on Hang Dau Street and will be situated near iconic landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple and the Monument of Courage.

According to Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, former Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, the idea of redesigning the Hoan Kiem Lake area dates back to 1995. He stressed the importance of a holistic plan to increase public and open spaces in the eastern part of the lake.

“These initiatives are part of a broader effort to restructure the architectural landscape around Hoan Kiem Lake, an area of profound historical and cultural significance,” he stated.

Sharing a similar perspective with Nghiem, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu, Principal of the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam National University - Hanoi, noted that the Hoan Kiem Lake area is often overwhelmed by the large number of people who visit.

“After decades of development, Hanoi has become crowded and lacks communal spaces. The city needs to find appropriate solutions and plans so that both residents and tourists can properly engage with and enjoy our culture," Lieu said.

He praised the city's approach, stating, “The Hanoi People's Committee will use the current situation as a basis to create a cultural space, a new look for Hoan Kiem Lake, to improve the quality of life for its people. I believe this is a correct and groundbreaking decision by Hanoi- a pioneering step to realize the Party's cultural policy that 'Culture lights the way for the nation.'”

This determination to transform the capital's urban landscape reflects a broader commitment to building a friendlier and more attractive city, in line with Hanoi's “City for Peace” title and its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The graphics below are provided by the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture.