The place with the iconic tower, the place with the oldest pagoda in the capital
The most famous island in Hanoi is probably Turtle Island (also known as Turtle Mound) with the tower of the same name. This is a small island, located in the middle of Sword Lake, the heart of Hanoi capital. Turtle Tower was built by Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Kim in 1886. Photo: Thuy Ha.
Besides the famous Turtle Tower island, Hoan Kiem Lake also has Ngoc Island, located in the north of the lake, where Ngoc Son Temple is located and connected to the mainland by the legendary The Huc Bridge. Photo: Pham Thanh Binh.
Ngoc Island is located in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, which is both a famous scenic spot and a historical relic when there is Ngoc Son Temple worshiping Van Xuong and Saint Tran Hung Dao. Around the temple, there are many ancient architectures with long-standing cultural significance, such as: The Huc bridge, Pen tower, Nghien radio, Tran Ba communal house.
With a prime location in the center of Hanoi, the Pearl Island area in particular and Hoan Kiem Lake in general is always crowded. Every day, thousands of people and tourists come here to walk and visit.
As one of the largest green buildings in Hanoi, Thong Nhat Park covers an area of up to 50 hectares with two floating islands, Thong Nhat and Hoa Binh, located on the 25-hectare Bay Mau Lake. Since it was inaugurated in 1961 until now, the park has always been an ideal choice for people to relax, play, and practice sports. Photo: Chu Van Quan.
Thong Nhat Island covers an area of over 6,000 square meters, featuring rows of trees, a four-season flower garden and the iconic “Uncle Ho – Uncle Ton” sculpture. In 2010, this monument was sent by the Party Committee, government and people of Ho Chi Minh City to the people of the Capital on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.
Next, Hoa Binh floating island is also an interesting highlight on Bay Mau lake. This place used to be called Stork Island because flocks of storks often appeared to gather and drink water. Unfortunately, over time, the development of urban areas has changed the old image, gradually no longer have storks on the island.
A group of middle-aged women invite each other to Hoa Binh Island every week to practice dancing. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a long-time resident near Thong Nhat Park said: “There is a shady garden all year round, convenient for people to exercise. The infrastructure is gradually deteriorating. I hope the floating island area will be better renovated in the near future.”
Kim Nguu Island is located on West Lake, near Thanh Nien Street, there is Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest temple in the capital. Tran Quoc Pagoda was originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda, built in 541 in the Early Ly Dynasty. At that time, the pagoda was located near the banks of the Red River. When the dike collapsed in 1615 (in the reign of King Le Trung Hung), the pagoda was relocated to its present location.
In the past, Tran Quoc Pagoda was the Buddhist center of Thang Long citadel. The Ly and Tran kings often visited the temple and worshiped at the temple on holidays and Tet. Today, Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous as the sacred Buddha’s door, which attracts many Buddhist followers and tourists.
Similarly, Thu Le Lake also has a teardrop-shaped floating island in a total area of 6 hectares. This area was later nicknamed “Monkey Island” by the people, where the Hanoi Zoo is located and worships Linh Lang at Voi Phuc Temple. After 1975, Hanoi Zoo was built on an area of 29 hectares, surrounded by a clear lake and green trees. Over time, the zoo located on the floating island of Thu Le Lake has become a familiar entertainment destination for children in the city.
It is divided into many animal sanctuaries, including 600 individuals, 5 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of saltwater fish, 35 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, etc. In addition, there are more than 40 rare species listed in the Red Book. Vietnam, such as: Indochinese tiger, fire leopard, leopard, clouded leopard, …
Besides the airy green space, Bach Thao Park also has a floating island located on Vi Danh Lake. Since it was built by the French in 1890 until now, the name Bach Thao has always been the most familiar “green lung” of Hanoi, owning many rare plants on a total area of 10 hectares.
Bach Thao floating island is famous for its palm trees and 5 pigeon houses, connected to the mainland by a small bridge about 0.5m wide. Currently, the park management is temporarily locking the bridge because the wooden floor is rotten and damp. Visitors can only see the floating island from afar.
at Blogtuan.info – Source: cafebiz.vn – Read the original article here
