Hanoi to reopen pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem lake this weekend

Roads will be closed to traffic again over the weekend around Hoan Kiem Lake and public activities will be resumed here from May 15 as the spread of the coronavirus is contained, according to an announcement of the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem district.

Currently, Hanoi city’s government has announced a new phase of Covid-19 disease prevention and control, as well as putting economic activities back to normal.

The walking space attracts millions of visitors a year. Photo: Internet

Following the instruction of the municipal People's Committee, public activities in Hoan Kiem district’s walking space will be restored and must ensure security, order and traffic safety.

Authorities in the district will regularly inspect and strictly handle violations of order, ensuring the requirements on preventing and controlling Covid-19 issued by the central and local governments.

Earlier this year, the local government decided to suspend the pedestrian around Hoan Kiem Lake on the weekends as well as public activities in the area from February 7 due to the threat of Covid-19 and to avoid mass gatherings.

The walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas in downtown Hanoi has become a brand-name, a cultural venue, and a highlight of the capital city, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said at a meeting on December 26, 2019 to review its three-year performance.

The walking street has become a magnet, a cultural attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors with some 3,000-5,000 arrivals during daytime, and 15,000-20,000 at nights. contributing to creating a new lifestyle for Hanoi’s people, and promoting the capital city’s image - the City for Peace.

The streets are open from Friday night to Sunday night, from 7:00pm to 12:00pm in summer and from 6:00pm to 12:00pm in winter.