Hoan Kiem Lake: from past splendor to present vibrancy
Forty precious archival photos of Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding relics will delight tourists visiting Hanoi's symbolic lake for the New Year.
The exhibition, which focuses on the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, will run until January 10 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ngoc Son Temple's recognition as a special national monument.
| Visitors to the exhibition. Photo: Nguyen Yen |
The documents displayed at Ngoc Son Temple, Jade Island, and Hoan Kiem Lake offer visitors an overview of the lake through the upheavals of the time.
The exhibition is divided into three sections. The first, titled "Historical Memories", includes old photographs of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake from the feudal period to 1975. The second part, "Imprints of Pearl Island", features documentary photos showing the beauty of Ngoc Son Temple and its unique value. The third part, "Forever with Time", introduces the work of preserving and promoting the value of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Despite historical ups and downs and many restorations, the temple retains its ancient architecture and beauty.
The relic was built in the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225) in the northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. At the gate of the temple is the Pen Tower engraved with three Vietnamese sinographic words "Ta Thanh Thien" meaning "writing on the clear blue sky".
| The old Huc Bridge connects the mainland to Jade Island on Hoan Kiem Lake. |
To get to Jade Island and Ngoc Son Temple, visitors must cross a bridge called The Huc, which means "Light of Dawn" because it faces east, where the sun rises. The bridge is distinguished by its vermilion color and crosses the emerald green Hoan Kiem Lake.
Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by various historical monuments, including Ba Kieu Temple, King Le Temple, French streets and the Old Quarter.
According to scientists, the emerald color of the lake is caused by the green algae Chlorophyta, which is endemic to the area and cannot be found anywhere else.
The green body of water becomes a mirror in which the rows of lakeside trees are reflected, always an inspiration for photography lovers.
Nowadays, Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal weekend getaway for both international travelers and locals. The pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake offers many interesting activities such as musical performances, folk games and others.
| The historic lake of Hanoi under French colonial rule in the early 19th century |
| The Pen Tower on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. |
| Today's The Huc Bridge. |
