Hoan Kiem Lake, also commonly known as Sword Lake has long been accompanied by the development history of the people of Vietnam and attached to the spiritual lives of many people. Blue lake, quiet and contemplative in the middle of the old town, the bustling streets, opened an airy space for local cultural activities. For then, broke the heart of his prosperous, bustling, Hoan Kiem Lake became a proud landmark of Hanoi - a bouquet in the heart of the capital.
Ho has been a very long time, since the childhood song What remains deep in the earth thousands of years ago. At that time, the line deflection phenomenon but very often happens. Red River also flows through the city navigation that today is often seen as Hang Dao Street, Hai Ba Trung, Ly Thuong Kiet ... then formed the distributary. Place the widest distributaries form the Hoan Kiem Lake today. Initially, the lake is not named Hoan Kiem Lake which is called by many different names. Ancient times, due to the blue water lake year round so called Luc Thuy Lake. As the name Hoan Kiem Lake became known around the 15th century legends associated with turtle god sword claim. Legend has it that back in the fight against the Ming (1417 - 1427), the leader Le Loi stand uprising in Lam Son Thanh Hoa, he accidentally captured sword dating is Heavenly. This sword under his virginity ten years war, regain independence. First throne in 1428, Le Loi - time was King Le Thai To in one go boating on the lake, there Luc Thuy golden turtle emerged. When the king draw out the sword pointed at the turtle immediately shut down the sword that roll. Thinking it was heaven lend up sword against the enemy now the victory is wrong to claim the sword turtle should be renamed Lake Hoan Kiem Lake. For a time in the late 16th, TriDnh to prevent the lake into two parts describe - organic, named Hope. Ho Huu Vong Tay bridge was later lost Ta Advent is also the lake Hoan Kiem lake which is now commonly called Sword Lake.
6 centuries ago, based on the map of Hong Duc Hoan Kiem Lake twofold pots from the Red River flows through the city where to Hang serial Bananas with the main branch of the Red River. Today, Hoan Kiem Lake is located between the old town Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Luong Van Can Street ... and the West by the French when planning for more than a century ago as Trang Thi Trang Tien, Hang Bai Goods tray, ...
Ho has a total area of 12ha, natural freshwater lake in the city. Sword Lake extends north and southbound 700m 200m wide east-west direction. Thanks to the convenient location, right in the middle of the city center so although not the largest lake Hoan Kiem Lake, but still plays a vital role in travel, life and cultural life of the capital. In addition, the lake also associated with famous buildings such as: Tortoise Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, ...
Turtle Tower was built in the late 19th century, from mid 1884 until April 1886. Located in the center of the lake, on the mound Turtle (The Son), the tower was much influenced by French architecture. We can see the tower has three floors and a sharp peak with a square gazebo. The two top floors have the same architecture, multi-arched doorway. Length three-door, two-door width. The third floor is only a vaulted door. Turtle Tower is a value outside of the aesthetic is a place for sun and turtles lay their eggs. More specifically, this is the largest living turtle in Hoan Kiem Lake, rarely surfaced. Legend has it that if the turtles emerge that is related to the modern nation. In 2011, this species is known only one fish can survive, called Turtle was specifically salvage and wound healing. Hoan Kiem turtle subject of rare animals are protected by the State.
Hoan Kiem Lake has two small islands, in addition to The Son, the remaining islands are Jade Island - which is known as the location of Ngoc Son temple is located. The temple is situated in the northern lake, formerly known as Er, that instant elephant ears. Later, the temple was renamed Ngoc Ly Thai To Statue leaving the city and to the Tran Thang Long newly called Ngoc Son Temple. Directions to the temple is a unique architecture of the bridge curved red color. It is Huc Bridge, which means bean morning sunlight. Bridge by name Nguyen Van Sieu built in 1865.
In addition to the above works, the lake has many special projects such as: Pen Radio Research, ... So can understand why Ho Hoan Kiem become impressive attractions, attraction, where the Hanoi remembers expatriate and art inspired by the endless poets, musicians and artists. Above all, the lake associated with a legendary history, a symbol of peace and moral aspirations martial text value of the entire nation.
On the rise today, one can build an endless great masterpiece. But people still feel the soul where it remains the capital, Hanoi between soul soul immense country, he dreamily. Walking around the lake are meticulously manicured lawns, the bulkheads around the clock, every tree layout, care cleverly shows the location of Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the capital's population. Therefore, each of us needs to preserve the monument was to their values are timeless.
