Hanoi streets such as Luong Van Can, Hang Ma, Cha Ca, and Hang Luoc are bustling with a vast array of colourful traditional toys for the mid-autumn festival.

Traditional toys for the mid-autumn festival have regained popularityon the local market in recent years.

Lanterns in different shapes and colours are sold for between VND20,000 and VND40,000 each.

However, the musical lanterns are mostly made in China.

Small lanterns can be bought for between VND15,000 and VND20,000 each.

The owner of a toy shop on Hang Ma street says customers have favoured traditional toys for the mid-autumn festival in recent years. Lanterns and clown masks are mostly chosen by parents for their kids.

The prices of lion head masks range fromVND150,000 to VND500,000, sometimes reaching VND1 million.

This shop specializes in selling fabric lanterns of different colours and sizes.

Apart from traditional toys, plastic swords and cudgels are still sold.

These days, Hang Ma street is packed with people, causing heavy traffic congestion.

Star-shaped lanterns are bought for VND15,000 to VND50,000 each, depending on size and quantity. A normal lantern fetches around VND30,000 to VND40,000.

Star-shaped lanterns are arranged in piles for customers to take away. In recent times, customers have tended to avoid toys of unknown origin or dangerous Chinese toys that could affect children’s health.

Traditional toys attract a large number of customers as they are mainly made from paper, wood and bamboo and are handcrafted by artisans in Hai Phong and Hanoi. Each drum is priced between VND15,000 and VND100,000, while paper masks cost from VND20,000to VND30,000.

A local seller plays a wind instrument to attract buyers’ attention and stir up the crowd.

The price of manes, knots and hats are between VND20,00 and VND50,000 each.

Star-shaped lanterns are one of the best-selling products. In addition, den keo quan (a lantern which spins around with rotating paper-cut figures) are sold at prices from VND50,000 to VND200,000 each.