Hanoi authorities have started to hold cultural activities at the Van Lake in the Temple of Literature which was closed off for years.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was held at Van Lake

Van Lake is a prominent part of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi but for many years, events are rarely held at this location, except during the Tet Holiday.

Trinh Xuan Doan, a visitor in Hanoi, said, "I often bring my kids there but I only see the lake area open during Tet Holiday. The authorities haven't been able to fully use the temple if this part is wasted like that. But more and more activities are being held recently and I also want to participate."

Le Xuan Kieu, head of the temple's Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, said they had co-operated with many organisations during the summer to hold activities for the children in summer and attract foreign visitors to participate in traditional games. Many nursery schools nearby also bring the children to the temple.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was held at Van Lake in an attempt to make it a cultural and heritage-related educational space. Children were taught how to make presents for their parents. 

34-year-old Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh said she didn't know any activities for children had been held at the lake before this year Mid-Autumn Festival. 

"This is great since the children had the chance to enjoy traditional games. But I think the authorities should push for more promotion, think about the space layout and introduce more traditional activities to the public," she said.

Lao Dong/Dtinews