On 9^th May, according to the Decision no. 6152/QD-UBND of  People’s Committee of Hanoi, a meeting to evaluate financial and technical report in terms of restoring Phuong Temple and Kim Chau Mound – Van Lake, which belong to the special national relic Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, was held by Hanoi Department of Culture and Sport.

Figure 1: Delegates attending the meeting

The meeting was attended by leaders and representatives of the Department of Cultural Heritage, The National Heritage Council, Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, Hanoi Department of Culture & Sport and other related Departments as well as representatives of people living in the area.

The special national relic Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is located in Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, including the internal area, Giam garden and Van Lake. Van Lake is an integral part of the relic, however, due to historical condition, from 1946 to the 1990s, Van Lake was seriously violated as hundreds of households encroached on houses and other purposes. On 1^st June 2006, Van Lake was handed over to the management of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam. The current situation of the lake is better and it has become a popular destination for tourists and local people. However, apart from those positive outcomes, there are some challenges encountering which result from the lack of awareness of people living around the site.

Figure 2: Current situation of Kim Chau Mound - Van Lake

Figure 3: Mr. Truong Minh Tien - Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sport giving speech at the meeting

The project aims to restore the area without destroying the familiar sight and traditional values of the relic. The restoration of Kim Chau Mound is necessary for the special national relic Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, which plays a significant role in attracting domestic and foreign tourists.

At the meeting, delegates discussed and contributed ideas for the restoration of Kim Chau Mound as well as the plan for preservation and renovation of objects in the construction process. The comments expressed a consensus with the plan and agreed with the Department of Culture and Sports of Hanoi to implement the next steps of the project. The project plays an essential role in preserving and promoting the traditional values ​​of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam and Hanoi culture.

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