A rural market meeting point in the heart of the city.

Amidst the bustling urban life, Hang Market (Le Chan Ward) still retains the charm of a traditional rural market, becoming a popular weekend destination.

For many people in Hai Phong , going to Hang Market on Sunday mornings has become an ingrained habit.

A touch of the countryside amidst the city.

On Sunday morning, Park Ji Hoon, a tourist from South Korea, followed his tour guide to Hang Market as part of his exploration of Hai Phong. The market's atmosphere surprised him; amidst the bustling streets, a "miniature village" emerged, complete with ornamental plants, livestock, and simple goods.

Hang Market has long been an attractive destination in the city's experiential tours. Ms. Nguyen Phuong Anh, representative of Green Tourism Co., Ltd. ( Hanoi ), said: "Tourists, especially foreign visitors, really like spaces that are rich in Vietnamese identity like Hang Market. Here, it's not just about buying and selling, but also about cultural stories and the lives of the local people."

In the heart of the bustling port city, Hang Market retains its unique character. It only meets on Sunday mornings, from the early hours of the morning, before the streets become crowded, vendors are already present, setting up their stalls along the roads surrounding the market. Those from nearby areas arrive the afternoon before, staying overnight to be ready for the morning's sales.

Stepping into the market, one easily encounters a world very different from modern markets. There you'll find charming little flower pots, seedlings of all kinds, sprouts, seeds, as well as chicks, puppies, kittens, and pet birds for sale. Interspersed among them are familiar village items like baskets, sieves, mortars, and carrying poles… All of this evokes a rustic, simple yet vibrant atmosphere.

The area selling ornamental plants and seedlings is always the most lively. Children are excited, while adults seem to be reliving familiar memories of a time spent in the countryside. Many people go to the market simply to look, listen, and enjoy a rare moment of relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

Like a festival

Stepping into the market, one easily encounters a world very different from modern markets, with unique goods.

Unlike modern markets, Hang Market offers a unique experience. Here, shopping isn't just about buying, it's also about having fun. For many Hai Phong residents, going to Hang Market on Sunday mornings has become an ingrained habit.

Mr. Nguyen Van Bao from Thuy Nguyen ward said: "I've been going to Hang Market for decades. Before, I used to buy plants and seedlings, but now it's become a habit. Now, every weekend I come here to stroll around, meet friends, have a cup of tea, and I find joy in it."

Hang Market is also one of the rare places in the city where you can find all kinds of "unusual" goods, from ornamental plants and animal breeds to seemingly discarded old items – everything can be found here. Some people come just to find a screw or a small replacement part for a broken item in their house. Others are passionate about hunting for old items bearing the mark of time, from radios and electric fans to small objects that evoke many memories.

The atmosphere at the market is also very special. Buyers and sellers exchange goods gently and amicably, rarely engaging in aggressive bargaining. Everything unfolds naturally, like a casual encounter rather than a transaction. Perhaps that's why many people liken going to Hang Market to attending a festival, a place not only for goods but also for joy and relaxation after a week of work.

Another unique feature of the market is the presence of "spontaneous" vendors. These might be locals bringing a few potted plants from their gardens, some pets, or old household items to sell. Some don't prioritize profit; their main goal is to socialize and exchange with others who share similar interests. This unpretentious, natural atmosphere creates a special appeal, setting Hang Market apart from any other market.

Hang Market is associated with the old Du Hang village, a historically significant area of ​​the port city. Through the process of urbanization, what was once a suburban market is now located in the heart of the city. The space has changed, but many old customs remain. People still hold market days, bringing seedlings, livestock, and farming tools to exchange, just as they did decades ago.

While shopping malls continue to develop, Hang Market still maintains its unique place. Not because of its convenience or modernity, but because of the delightful experience of a traditional rural market in the heart of a dynamic, modern city.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, a small business owner from Nam Dinh province, said: "We usually come to the market on Saturday afternoon, sleep overnight, and sell our goods in the morning. It's hard work, but we're used to it and can't give it up. The market is crowded and fun, so everyone is attached to it."

Hang Market is not just a place of commerce, but also a "living heritage" in the heart of the city. With proper care, preservation, and development, it could become a unique cultural tourism product of Hai Phong, enriching the experiences of visitors.

However, preserving the market's identity also presents numerous challenges. How can we ensure order and environmental hygiene while maintaining its natural character? How can we develop tourism without altering the traditional space? These are questions that need to be considered during the development process.

LE HUONG

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/diem-hen-cho-que-giua-long-thanh-pho-540564.html