More than 18.3 hectares of Dien Bien ward in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh district will be zoned off for the Thang Long Imperial Citadel relic site’s central sector under a detailed planning released by the municipal People’s Committee and the Ministry of Construction on April 19.

Thang Long royal citadel.

Covering the ancient citadel and the 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological area, the planning aims to preserve and restore the site in service of research studies as well as education and tourism services, said Bui Xuan Tung, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Planning and Architecture.

It also targets the harmony of architecture and technical infrastructure in the Ba Dinh political centre, he added.

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Dinh Toan urged the capital city to promptly allocate capital resources for items under the planning and ensure the site’s landscape during the construction.

The planning is of special significance as it contributes to promoting historical, cultural and artistic values of the citadel, he noted.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Dynasty, marking the independence of the Dai Viet. It is characterised by longevity and continuity as a seat of power, evidenced by different archaeological levels and monuments.

As the most important and best-preserved part of the ancient imperial citadel, the central sector was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Site on July 31, 2010.

VNA