West Lake - A poetic highlight in the heart of the capital
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- Brand
- 14:59 26/03/2022
DNHN - West Lake is one of Hanoi's most famous and picturesque settings, with numerous historical and cultural treasures linked to the establishment and development of the old Thang Long Citadel and modern-day Hanoi. The beauty of West Lake is the most romantic area in the image of Hanoi, the gathering site that marks so many Hanoians' memories, and the place that draws visitors every time they visit the city.

Hanoi West Lake is known by a variety of names, each of which tells a fascinating narrative.
According to folklore, there was once a lake that upset the peasants dwelling on a tiny mountain to the west of Long Bien fortress, so Long Quan sent water to capture foxes, and Dam Xac Cao was named after it.
The name Kim Nguu Lake comes from the Zen teacher Minh Khong's narrative about curing the Chinese king's kid. Following his recuperation, the Zen master requested some black copper from the king to bring back and turn into four Buddhist treasures. A bronze bell is among them, and as the bell rings out to China, the golden buffalo hears his mother crying (black bronze is the mother of gold), so he dashes south to wrap the bell without leaving. After a deep hole was dug and water flowed in, the area was dubbed Kim Nguu Lake.
When Monarch Ly Thai To transferred the capital to Thang Long, this used to be a tourist attraction, but because the lake was usually foggy, producing a fantastical sight, the king gave it the name Dam Dam, which means foggy lake.

Because King Le The Tong's nickname was Duy Dam, he was terrified of cavalry when he seized the kingdom in 1573, the people changed the name to West Lake. And you may still use that name now.

West Lake's gorgeous environment is like a painting with many various hues; in the early morning, it is like a bashful young girl in the morning sun, delicate and pure; in the afternoon, it is like a melancholy lady with beauty. With a touch of longing for the afternoon sun, this poem is poetic. Perhaps this is why West Lake has always served as a source of inspiration for poets to convey their emotions.
West Lake's environment includes not only brilliant blue water that softly ripples all year, but also the lyrical and romantic beauty of floating lotus blossoms and the scarlet colors of phoenix trees. The water casts a shadow. Because the weather is usually breezy, this spot is always busy with laughing, people coming to cool down, and visitors coming to see the beauty of West Lake from morning to night.


West Lake in Hanoi's capital is home to a complex system of artifacts and monuments. Only the region around West Lake includes more than 20 community homes, temples, and pagodas, several of which are listed among the world's most famous landmarks. Every spring, tens of thousands of local and international tourists go to these landmarks to see the pagodas. West Lake nearly spans the cultural and historical space linked with numerous tales, works of art, and architecture related with the thousand-year history of Hanoi capital, thanks to its unique location. This is also one of the reasons why so many people come to see the West Lake. The most exciting activity for many people is to visit West Lake via tram, which runs around the lake.

West Lake remains the city's green lung today. Every summer, the lyrical beauty of the purple hue of the mausoleum flowers, as well as the brilliance of the pink phoenix petals, add to the attractiveness of West Lake. The water of the lake is always glistening with fresh breezes, calming people's spirits. With so much area, West Lake is a popular hangout spot for Hanoians.
Many individuals like taking a stroll around the lake every morning or evening to get some fresh air or exercise before returning home. However, as the sun sets or the night falls, West Lake transforms into a gathering spot for friends and family, a place to date, and a place to remember many people's love. Some people seek out a quiet spot along the lake to enjoy the breeze, a cup of coffee from a roadside stand, the famed shrimp cake, a glass of ice cream, or a meal at one of the lake's upscale restaurants. On festive days, have a fun boat with friends. West Lake, as an excellent location, provides a focal point for Hanoians' spiritual lives.

Coming to West Lake, our lives appear to slow down; there is no need to squeeze through congested and bustling streets, no need to rush home, and no need to rush to accomplish unfinished business... West Lake allows us to gaze into the distance and gather the entire universe into our eyes, allowing us to relax and reflect on the human aspect of existence. Living slowly might sometimes let us experience many of the aftertastes of life that we tend to unconsciously forget.

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