Society

Hanoi moves ahead with demolition of ‘Shark Jaw’ building

The demolition marks the first step in a plan to revitalise Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a symbolic space linking two major heritage zones -the Hoan Kiem Lake–Ngoc Son Temple complex to the south and the historic Old Quarter to the north.

The interior of the "Shark Jaw" building is dismantled. (Photo: VNA)
The interior of the "Shark Jaw" building is dismantled. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Authorities of Hoan Kiem district have commenced the demolition of the structure at No. 1-3-5 on Dinh Tien Hoang street in Hanoi downtown, commonly referred to as the “Shark Jaw” building.

Work began on May 25, with crews initiating safety protocols, removing equipment, and starting the dismantling process. The project is scheduled for completion in next month.

The demolition marks the first step in a plan to revitalise Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a symbolic space linking two major heritage zones -the Hoan Kiem Lake–Ngoc Son Temple complex to the south and the historic Old Quarter to the north. The district had previously unveiled the renovation initiative on May 16, with the removal of the “Shark Jaw” building identified as a central component of the redevelopment.

vna-potal-ha-noi-bat-dau-thao-do-di-chuyen-cac-trang-thiet-bi-va-ha-giai-cong-trinh-toa-nha-ham-ca-map-8053546.jpg
A worker installs a barrier outside the "Shark Jaw" building. (Photo: VNA)

Under a two-phase proposal submitted to municipal authorities, the initial stage includes the complete dismantling of the commercial building at 1-3-5 Dinh Tien Hoang, along with the relocation of an existing electrical substation situated on its ground floor along Cau Go street. Adjacent to the site, the Hapro building at No. 7-9 on Dinh Tien Hoang street will also undergo refurbishment. The cleared area will be transformed into a public space designed to enhance urban aesthetics and provide tourism-related services. This phase is projected to wrap up by August 2025.

The second phase will involve studies on the development of underground facilities beneath the square, continued upgrades to adjacent buildings fronting the plaza, and comprehensive improvements to technical infrastructure in accordance with the status of Hoan Kiem Lake as a special national heritage site./.

VNA
#“Shark Jaw” building #Old Quarter #Hanoi Ha Noi
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Thousands bid farewell to Hanoi’s iconic “Shark Jaw” building

Thousands bid farewell to Hanoi’s iconic “Shark Jaw” building

Despite a light drizzle, thousands of people gathered at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi on the Hung Kings’ Commemoration holiday. Many came to check in and take photos at the famous “Shark Jaw” building before it's taken down. Everyone wanted to capture one last memory of this iconic spot by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi’s Shark Jaw – Landmark of memories and change

Hanoi’s Shark Jaw – Landmark of memories and change

In March 2025, Hanoi authorities officially approved plans to demolish the Shark Jaw to expand the Hoan Kiem Lake area and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. This marks a key step in the city’s urban renewal efforts, aiming for sustainable development. The municipal government has instructed relevant agencies to expedite the clearance process, with demolition set to be completed by April 30.

See more

Delegates at the SEAN Future Forum NextGen Workshop 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 9 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam contributes youth perspectives to AFF NextGen initiative

The ambassador expressed confidence that fresh perspectives, innovative thinking and lessons drawn from the workshop will be proposed to AFF 2026, representing the voice of the younger generation in shaping ASEAN’s future in line with their aspirations.

A young volunteer donates blood during the 2026 Red Sunday programme. (Photo: VNA)

Nearly 5,000 people join blood donation campaign in Ho Chi Minh City

According to health authorities, Vietnam collected nearly 1.75 million units of blood in 2025, with 98% from volunteer donors, equivalent to around 1.75% of the population participating in blood donation. Large-scale campaigns such as Red Sunday have played a key role in achieving these results.

More than 30 kilogrammes of various drugs trafficked from Cambodia to HCM City were seized in a police operation in March 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City aims to become drug free by 2030

Every commune, ward or residential area in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to meet official drug-free standards by the end of 2029, while schools, hospitals, government offices, businesses and social organisations across the city are to remain free of drug activity.

Military forces take a resident from a flooded area. Photo: VNA

Da Nang, Oxfam join hands to support flood victims

In the coming time, the Da Nang Red Cross Society will continue to coordinate with Oxfam to implement support activities in Nong Son commune, helping residents overcome difficulties and stabilise their livelihoods.

Training on response to reservoir incidents (Photo: VNA)

Central Civil Defence Fund established to bolster disaster response

The Central Civil Defence Fund is authorised to receive, manage and use voluntary contributions from domestic and foreign entities and individuals, plus transfers from provincial civil defence funds in line with the PM’s decisions and allocations from relevant state financial sources outside the state budget, all earmarked for incident and disaster response and recovery efforts.

Vietnamese women shine in the traditional Ao dai (Photo: VNA)

March shines with elegance of “Ao dai”

In early March, scenes of women in flowing Ao dai taking spring photos by lakes, parks, offices, temples and historical sites have become a familiar sight on the streets of Hanoi. Social media is also filled with images and stories surrounding the elegant attire, which has become a symbolic signal of the season dedicated to honouring women.

Hanoi voters learn about candidates’ biographies and action programmes. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi thoroughly prepares for NA, People’s Council election

According to the municipal Election Committee, the capital city has established election committees in 126 communes and wards. In addition, 11 electoral boards for National Assembly deputies, 31 electoral boards for the city-level People’s Council, 831 commune-level electoral boards and more than 4,000 polling teams have been set up to serve the election process.

Artisan Vu Van Vinh from Chuyen My commune introduces to visitors a set of mother of pearl inlaid lacquer furniture including a platform bed, tea cabinet, and lacquered horizontal boards and parallel sentences made by his family, worth more than 3 billion VND. (Photo: VNA)

Four Hanoi craft villages join global creative crafts network

The recognition is not only a source of pride for the capital but also creates opportunities to promote these craft villages globally, strengthen international connections, and support their sustainable development in the process of global integration.

Vietnamese women affirm growing role in national economy

Vietnamese women affirm growing role in national economy

Vietnamese women have long been an indispensable force in the country’s socio-economic development. Today, they are present across a wide spectrum of economic activities, from production, trade and small-scale services to innovative start-ups, collective economic development, the digital economy, green growth, the circular economy and financial inclusion.