Hanoi lotus festival to showcase culture, tourism at West Lake

Running from Friday to Sunday, the festival is aimed at promoting the capital’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions, and the lotus flower, which is widely regarded in Vietnam as a symbol of national character and spirit.

The festival’s centerpiece will be three themed exhibition spaces offering visitors a range of cultural and tourism experiences.

The ‘Lotus - Essence of Life’ exhibition at Ly Tu Trong Flower Garden on Thuy Khue Street will showcase lotus varieties from localities including Nghe An Province, Hue City, and Dong Thap Province, alongside lotus-based products such as lotus silk, specialty foods, and handicrafts inspired by the flower.

The ‘Lotus - Art and Creativity’ space will feature calligraphy and painting works themed around lotus flowers, as well as the participation of 500 children in a painting activity.

A third area, ‘Lotus - Performance and Community,’ will host events at several locations around West Lake, including Lac Long Quan Flower Garden, the West Lake lotus culinary area, and West Lake Flower Valley.

Activities will include traditional artistic performances linked to lotus culture and a parade featuring 1,000 participants wearing ‘ao dai’ (Vietnamese traditional long dress).

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Friday at Ly Tu Trong Flower Garden, while related activities will take place simultaneously at multiple venues around West Lake.