According to the chairman of Hoan Kiem People’s Committee Nguyen Chi Luc, the pedestrianised area attracts some 3,000-5,000 people during the daytime and 15,000-20,000 in the evening. The number of tourists to the area has increased annually since 2016.

  Authorities in Hanoi have considering releasing doves around Hoan Kiem pedestrianised area (Illustrative photo)

Hanoi authorities are working on a plan for expanding the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Six more streets and two alleys would be added to the current 16 streets where vehicles are off-limits during certain times to reduce crowding and bolster tourism.

The streets are Dinh Liet, Gia Ngu, Cau Go from Dinh Liet to Nguyen Huu Huan, Hang Be, Dao Duy Tu from Hang Buom to Hang Chieu, and O Quan Chuong and the alleys are Cau Go and Trung Yen.

Last year, 12 swans imported from Belgium were released into Hoan Kiem Lake. But just one day later, they were taken to Thien Quang Lake following objections due to lake’s folklore associated with the legend of a turtle. Dtinews