Hanoi’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to upgrade the historical relic sites of Hoan Kiem Lake, The Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison.

Accordingly, the department will focus on repairing damaged areas, while replacing seriously downgraded areas in the Hoa Phong Tower, the Ngoc Son Temple and other areas around Hoan Kiem Lake.

The department also plans to diversify tourism products in the area through organising traditional art performance programmes at the Tran Ba Temple and festivals reproducing historical legends related to the lake.

The Temple of Literature will be developed into a cultural centre, where more artistic events will take place for visitors.

Meanwhile, the department will apply several measures to preserve and restore Hoa Lo Prison in order preserve the site’s historic nature. In addition, talks between former political prisoners and visitors, will be held to attract more tourists to the site.

Hoa Lo prison was built in Hanoi by the French colonialists in 1896. Over more than half a century, 200 revolutionary soldiers died and the health of many soldiers was affected by cruel torture and long detainment at the prison, which is now a historical site open to visitors.

Along with repairing and upgrading the three sites, the department will also enhance connectivity among them and other attractions to promote tourism development in the capital.-VNA