Phung Hung street these days has put on a new coat, more eye-catching and vibrant with distinctive mural paintings by Vietnamese and Korean artists.

Images of Hanoi’s Old Quarter with cyclos, bicycles and trams inthe past are now reenacted through vibrant paintings on the walls of Phung Hung street. Wanderers through the street, especially elder Hanoians often spend quite time to contemplate and look back to the good old days.

"The street has brought back our memories and also helped youngsters get to know more about historical values," said Pham Thi Nguyen, a resident from Hanoi.

Having just been launched since early February 2018, the street has become more crowded with visitors. With this art project, for the first time, contemporary art has been brought to street level for the community to directly engage with art honouring Hanoi’s rich heritage while enjoying the city’s public space.

Dinh Thi Minh Huong, a resident from Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi, said: "This area looks superb. People should be here to enjoy Tet atmosphere and take some pictures."

"This is my first time here. I enjoy it very much," said Nguyen Gia Linh , a resident from Hang Luong street, Hanoi. 

19 paintings evoke Hanoi’s thousand years of culture, showing a city which while facing great changes, always preserves its cultural and traditional quintessence. Especially on these days when Tet atmosphere is approaching every corner, the street has become an intimate venue for gatherings.

Phung Hung mural street is expected to inspire authorities and artists to come up with more fantastic ideas to develop urban areas across Vietnam.-VNA