Thousands of locals and international tourists immersed themselves in the festive and animated atmosphere of the pedestrian-only space in Hanoi as it was officially piloted in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake on the evening of September 1.

This is part of a series of activities responding the 2016 national tourism year program.

The area around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding streets leading to the Lake will be closed to vehicular traffic from 7pm Friday to midnight Sunday.

A wide range of cultural performances, sport activities and folk games were organised. Photo: zing.vn

A wide range of cultural, musical and arts performances will be organized along with sports activities and folk games during the duration of the walking space, towards bringing local citizens and visitors moments of relaxation and entertainment.

Besides, restaurants and bars in Hanoi’s downtown Hoan Kiem district will be allowed to open until 2am instead of midnight as before. The extended curfew will apply from Friday to Sunday and is being run on a trial basis by the municipal People’s Committee.

Dinh Hong Phong, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District’s People’s Committee, said the expansion of walking areas will significantly contribute to preserving and promoting the cultural values and tourism potential of the thousand-year-old capital.

Streets that are closed to traffic on weekends include Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Hang Khay, Hang Bai, Trang Tien, Dinh Le, Nguyen Xi, Le Lai, Le Thach, Tran Nguyen Han, Hang Dau, Lo Su, Luong Van Can and Bao Khanh.

Source: VNA