A New Lease of Life in the Heart of Vietnam

16 August, 2025

Hanoi’s Vision 2050: A Globally Connected City with High Living Standards and Quality of Life. (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

Marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, VNA reporters present a two-part article series titled “Hanoi – 80 years of radiance since the Historic Autumn” portraying the capital city’s journey and aspirations for breakthrough in the new era.

Part 1: A New Vitality in the Heart of the Country

From the first constructions of the renovation period to the skyscrapers reflecting the dawn, Hanoi has entered the 21st century with a new rhythm: faster, broader, and more connected to the world.

The interplay between antiquity and modernity helps the capital retain its unique “soul” to confidently step into the deep integration era on a solid foundation.

Modern Infrastructure

Hanoi is transforming daily with well-invested and modern infrastructure projects. The central government and city authorities focus on developing transportation infrastructure towards synchronization and modernity, aiming to enhance connectivity within the city and with other provinces and economic regions.

According to the Resolution of the Politburo on the orientation of Hanoi’s development toward 2030, with a vision to 2045, the city’s transportation system is being developed synchronously and modernly. Projects include completing the construction of national highways, expressways, belt roads, and intra-regional and inter-regional connection roads in accordance with planning, in harmony with architectural and landscape planning to build a civilized and modern urban area.

The progress of urban railway projects is accelerated, and more bridges are built across the Red River and Duong River.

Hanoi’s improved transportation infrastructure boosts economic and social development, contributing to the city’s growth and beauty. (Photo: Huy Hung/VNA)

The new bridges spanning the Red River, such as Nhat Tan, Vinh Tuy, and Dong Tru, not only connect the two banks but also link development opportunities, expanding the urban space to the north and east. The belt roads, expressways, and metro lines being formed are shaping a modern transportation network, freeing Hanoi from the constraints of a congested “core” city.

Additionally, new urban areas, along with modern commercial centers, parks, and entertainment complexes, have created a dynamic and convenient urban landscape, improving the quality of life for residents and attracting investment and economic and tourism development.

The economic structure is shifting positively. The business and investment environment is gradually improved, enhancing the confidence of domestic and foreign investors.

According to architect Tran Huy Anh, it is essential to develop Hanoi into a modern and dynamic city while preserving green spaces, lakes, ancient trees, and traditional craft villages to retain the “soul” of the city amid the modern pace of life.

“Hanoi has a rich historical and cultural background and is the cradle of intelligence and talent. With modern infrastructure and a profound cultural foundation, Hanoi will rise powerfully,” affirmed architect Tran Huy Anh.

Deep Integration – Preserving the Capital’s Identity

Hanoi entered the century of integration with the spirit of a dynamic, open, and culturally rich capital. Besides being the country’s political and administrative center, Hanoi is also a crucial cultural, economic, and diplomatic hub in the region and globally.

In recent years, the city has actively engaged in people-to-people diplomacy, establishing friendly and cooperative relations with over 100 capitals and major cities worldwide.

Through sister-city programs, exchanges between social organizations, and sharing experiences in urban management, Hanoi has strengthened friendship and mutual understanding between the people of Vietnam and international friends.

Notably, Hanoi successfully hosted significant diplomatic events, such as the “Forum for Asian Cities” and the “Vietnam-Asia Smart City Conference,” contributing positively to the region’s development.

Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway, the first of its kind in Vietnam, has become a daily means of transportation for a large number of Hanoi citizens. (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

In cultural diplomacy, Hanoi has implemented various programs to promote its culture and heritage to international friends, enhancing the city’s image. The city also closely collaborates with international organizations, especially UNESCO, in cultural heritage conservation, affirming its position as a significant cultural hub in the region.

Hanoi was honored to receive three prestigious awards from the World Travel Awards: “Asia’s Leading City Destination,” “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination,” and “Vietnam’s Leading Cultural City Destination.”

In education and training and science and technology, Hanoi strengthens cooperation with leading universities and research institutes worldwide, creating conditions for developing high-quality human resources. People-to-people diplomacy activities are vibrant and diverse in form and partners, contributing to strengthening the connection between Hanoi and international friends.

Besides promoting its image globally, Hanoi focuses on bringing the world’s essence to the capital. Numerous cultural cooperation programs have enabled citizens to access art, music, cinema, and cuisine from various continents.

Student exchange programs, international scientific conferences, and art exhibitions have transformed Hanoi into a hub of knowledge and creativity.

Amid the vibrant integration currents, Hanoi steadfastly preserves its thousand-year-old cultural identity. The distinctive values of the ancient architecture in the old quarters, traditional festivals, craft villages, and elegant communication styles are cherished and passed down as the “key” to preventing the city from dissolving in integration.

This harmonious blend of openness to the world and preservation of unique values has created a special attraction, making Hanoi a destination of the future and a beautiful memory in the hearts of visitors.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in Hanoi, the capital continues to innovate traditional activities such as people-to-people exchanges and peace and friendship initiatives, associating them with significant national events. Simultaneously, it promotes activities related to external information, cultural diplomacy, and economic diplomacy.

Hoan Kiem Lake – the green lung in the heart of Hanoi. (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

Notably, the member friendship associations will focus on advising the Hanoi Party Committee to issue a separate Directive on people-to-people diplomacy and advising the Hanoi People’s Council to issue a Resolution on the mechanism and policy for people-to-people diplomacy in the capital. They will also build an action program to promote the title of “City for Peace.”

Today’s Hanoi is a vibrant picture of modern colors and the quietude of the past.

In the global integration whirlwind, the capital maintains its unique rhythm, allowing visitors to experience both its dynamism and gentle and profound charm.

This integration journey is not merely an economic objective but also an affirmation that Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, will always be a gathering place for quintessence and a disseminator of values, ready to advance with the country into the future.

Quang Dan-Nguyen Cuc-Nguyen Thang

– 08:57 13/08/2025