Not just a place for check-in photos, the Hàng Đậu Water Tower and Gia Lâm Railway Factory offer a wonderful perspective on heritage.
Recently, the people of Hanoi and visitors to the capital had the opportunity to visit some incredibly interesting sites, among which the Hàng Đậu Water Tower and Gia Lâm Railway Factory stand out. These locations have existed in Hanoi for hundreds of years and have become heritage sites. However, with the creative touch of architects, artists, and artisans, these places have become immensely attractive.
Old Yet New: An Undeniable Allure
The Hàng Đậu Water Tower and Gia Lâm Railway Factory are part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023. With the theme “Flow,” this year’s festival emphasizes the role of heritage in contemporary life, highlighting the importance of inheritance, connection, and creativity.
(Photo: Hanoi Creative Design Festival)
Through activities such as exhibitions and displays, heritage sites like the Hàng Đậu Water Tower and the Railway Factory, which have stood for centuries, seem to awaken from their slumber. These age-old heritage sites were presented to the public in a unique way, preserving their historical essence while introducing new elements, creating an extremely attractive and meaningful space.
It’s hard to argue against the allure of these locations in recent times, as social media platforms have been flooded with images and clips shared by people about their trips and explorations at these sites.
From the elders in our families to young families bringing their children for visits, and especially the younger generation, everyone seems to be captivated by these places. According to the organizers of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023, from November 17 to 26, 2023, these sites welcomed over 200,000 visitors. The organizers decided to extend the festival by an additional two days on November 27 and 28, allowing more people to explore and experience these locations.
(Photo: Hanoi Creative Design Festival)
Appreciating Heritage in a Unique Way Beyond Just “Photo Opportunities”
In recent days, social media has been filled with beautiful photos taken in the impressive design spaces of the Hàng Đậu Water Tower and Gia Lâm Railway Factory. However, it goes beyond just taking “Instagram-worthy” photos!
It is evident that these heritage spaces at the Hanoi Creative Design Festival not only attract young people with creative exhibitions and stunning photo backdrops but also reinforce the spirit of valuing heritage. The younger generation had the chance to admire and learn about these heritage structures that have existed for hundreds of years, which many may have previously overlooked.
This is the Hàng Đậu Water Tower, a “witness of history”, now “awakened” with two installations: A sound installation that recreates the sounds of water in nature, reviving the relationship between urban humans and the natural environment; and a light installation that expands the visual perspective on beautiful wrappers made from urban waste materials, emphasizing the impact of urbanization on the natural environment.
The Gia Lâm Railway Factory serves as a “Flow” taking us on a “time travel” through a “heritage train,” featuring a series of exhibitions, music, painting, and more. Notable spaces include the artistic architectural area “Hot Workshop,” the architectural space “Waiting Area,” the installation exhibition “Water Dome,” the exhibition “Heritage Flow,” and the corner “Memories of the Steam Locomotive,” along with other painting and sculpture exhibitions.
The allure and significance of the activities at the Hàng Đậu Water Tower and Gia Lâm Railway Factory in recent times cannot be denied. In a truly special way, the century-old heritage sites of the capital have been “awakened” in the most impressive manner, ensuring they remain etched in the memories of many in the best possible way.
