Previously, Alley 44 Chi Lang was just a small path with old, dimly lit walls. Now, this place is bright with clean walls, bright lanterns and the warmth of village love.

Launching the model "Colors of the Old Quarter"

Funded entirely by public contributions

Phu Xuan Ward is a locality with a strong cultural and historical imprint, where many relics of the ancient capital converge, especially Gia Hoi ancient town is a "living museum" preserving the memories of Hue . This is an area where the residences and palaces of mandarins, royal relatives of the Nguyen Dynasty are concentrated, interspersed with ancient houses and small alleys with traditional architectural imprints.

Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Quyen, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward and President of the Phu Xuan Women's Union, said that the idea of implementing the model came from the desire to both beautify the landscape and arouse love for heritage and community awareness. "We surveyed the area and chose lane 44 Chi Lang, more than 40m long, with suitable length and width, and located near the relic sites," Ms. Quyen said.

The Women's Union has made a detailed plan: general cleaning, wall painting, hanging lanterns, renovating the welcome gate and installing a lighting system. To do this, the union coordinated with the TDP to hold a meeting with the people to discuss and agree on the policy, and at the same time mobilize social resources. Mr. Luong Kim Hong's family (lane 42 Chi Lang) supported the painting, labor and part of the cost.

In just 10 days, more than 120 square meters of old walls were repainted, 22 red lanterns were hung, the lighting system was safe, and the welcome gate was neatly arranged. The total cost of more than 12 million VND was entirely contributed by the people.

Check-in with "Colors of the Old Quarter" in front of alley 44 Chi Lang

"Being beautiful is easy, staying beautiful is difficult"

Mr. Luong Kim Hong, a “benefactor” of the model, shared: “In the past, this alley was dark and the walls were discolored. Now it is clean and bright, and all tourists who come here praise its beauty. People are excited, and it is more fun to sit and relax in the evening.”

Ms. Thuy An, a tourist service participant, felt the change: “Since the alley was renovated, more and more visitors have stopped by to take photos. They both visit the old town and curiously turn into the alley because of the beautiful space. This is a gentle yet effective way to promote Gia Hoi culture.”

What is more noteworthy is that the model does not stop at beautification. Many households put flower pots and trees in front of their doors, and commit to maintaining hygiene. “Making it beautiful is easy, keeping it beautiful is difficult. The whole neighborhood agrees to work together to preserve it so that it is always bright - green - clean,” said Mr. Hong.

According to Ms. Quyen, “Colors of the Old Quarter” is part of the movement “Building a civilized urban area”. The goal is to create a community living space, connect neighbors and develop tourism.

After Alley 44 was completed, many women in other alleys asked the Association to conduct a survey to replicate the model. This August, Alleys 30 and 118 in Chi Lang will continue to implement the model, with funding and monthly electricity bills voluntarily contributed by the people.

Phu Xuan Ward People's Committee also agreed to coordinate with other units to continue recreating and embellishing the old town in many other alleys. Currently, Huynh Thuc Khang and Bach Dang streets are being paved; when completed, lanterns will be hung along both sides of the river to create a night scene. In particular, when Chi Lang Street is paved, the "Colors of the Old Town" model will also be replicated, forming a series of connecting points throughout the Gia Hoi ancient town area.

“We consider Alley 44 as a soft spot, from which many other activities can be opened. When people see themselves as part of the change, they will voluntarily preserve and spread it,” said Ms. Quyen.

Mr. Phan Trong Tin, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City commented: "Not too fussy, just clean, with light and a little lantern decoration, it looks very Hue, very cute."

The model “Colors of the Old Quarter” is therefore not only a community project, but also a story of solidarity. Amidst the changes of the city, there are still street corners that are preserved and renewed with love for the homeland, contributing to making Hue more “civilized, friendly, safe, and rich in identity”.

Article and photos: LIEN MINH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/phu-nu/lam-dep-duong-kiet-o-pho-co-chi-lang-156865.html