Previously, alley 44 Chi Lang was just a small passageway with old, dimly lit walls. Now, it has brightened up with clean, beautiful walls, vibrant lanterns, and the warm atmosphere of community spirit.

Launching the "Colors of the Old Quarter" model.

The funding comes entirely from public contributions.

Phu Xuan Ward is a locality rich in cultural and historical significance, home to many relics of the ancient capital, especially Gia Hoi Old Town, a "living museum" preserving the memories of Hue . This area is home to the mansions and residences of officials and royal relatives of the Nguyen Dynasty, interspersed with ancient houses and small alleys bearing the imprint of traditional architecture.

Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Quyen, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phu Xuan Ward and Chairwoman of the Phu Xuan Women's Union, said that the idea for implementing the model stemmed from a desire to both beautify the landscape and awaken love for heritage and community awareness. "We surveyed the area and chose alleyway 44 Chi Lang, which is over 40 meters long, as it has the right length and width and is located near historical sites," Ms. Quyen said.

The Women's Union has drawn up a detailed plan: general cleaning, painting walls, hanging lanterns, renovating the entrance gate, and installing a lighting system. To achieve this, the Union coordinated with the local authorities to hold meetings with residents to discuss and agree on the plan, while also mobilizing social resources. The family of Mr. Luong Kim Hong (alley 42, Chi Lang) contributed paint, labor, and a portion of the funding.

In just under 10 days, more than 120 square meters of old walls were repainted, 22 red lanterns were hung, a safe lighting system was installed, and the entrance gate was tidied up. The total cost of over 12 million VND was entirely contributed by the local people.

Check in with the "Colors of the Old Quarter" in front of alley 44 Chi Lang.

"It's easy to look beautiful, but it's hard to maintain that beauty."

Mr. Luong Kim Hong, a benefactor of the model, shared: "Before, this alley was dark and the walls were faded. Now it's clean and bright, and tourists who visit all praise its beauty. The locals are happy, and it's more enjoyable to sit and relax here in the evenings."

Ms. Thuy An, a participant in the tourism service, commented on the change: “Since the alleyway was renovated, many tourists have stopped by to take photos. They visit the old town and are curious to enter the alley because of its beautiful scenery. This is a subtle yet effective way to promote Gia Hoi culture.”

What's even more noteworthy is that the model goes beyond simply beautifying the area. Many households have voluntarily placed additional flower pots and greenery in front of their doors, along with a commitment to maintaining cleanliness. "Making things beautiful is easy, but keeping them beautiful is difficult. The whole neighborhood has agreed to work together to ensure the alley remains bright, green, and clean," Mr. Hong expressed.

According to Ms. Quyen, "Colors of the Old Quarter" is part of the "Building a Civilized City" movement. The goal is to create a community living space, foster neighborly bonds, and develop tourism.

After alley 44 was completed, many women in other alleys requested the Association to conduct a survey to replicate the model. This August, alleys 30 and 118 in Chi Lang will continue to implement the model, with residents voluntarily contributing the monthly electricity costs and expenses.

The People's Committee of Phu Xuan Ward also agreed to coordinate with relevant units to continue recreating and beautifying the old town in many other alleys. Currently, the Huynh Thuc Khang and Bach Dang streets are being paved with curbs; once completed, lanterns will be hung along both banks of the river to create a beautiful nighttime landscape. In particular, when the Chi Lang street is paved with sidewalk curbs, the "Colorful Old Town" model will be expanded, forming a series of highlights connecting the entire Gia Hoi old town area.

"We see alley 44 as a soft focal point, from which many other activities can be initiated. When people see themselves as part of the change, they will voluntarily preserve and spread it," Ms. Quyen said.

Mr. Phan Trong Tin, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, commented: "It's not too fancy; just being clean, well-lit, and adding a few lantern decorations is enough to make it feel very Hue, very charming."

The "Colors of the Old Quarter" model is therefore not just a community project, but also a story of unity. Amidst urban changes, there are still street corners preserved and renewed with love for the homeland, contributing to making Hue more "civilized, friendly, safe, and rich in identity."

Text and photos: LIEN MINH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/phu-nu/lam-dep-duong-kiet-o-pho-co-chi-lang-156865.html