The Han River, like a ‘green silk strip’ running across Da Nang, has given the city its own unique features that cannot be found anywhere else.This poetic river is also associated with works and events that create resonance and beautiful impressions for Da Nang such as Han River Swing Bridge, ‘Rong’ (Dragon) Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, the annual international fireworks competition, along with Bach Dang Street, which is one of the most beautiful riverside roads in Viet Nam.

Han River is like a ‘green silk strip’ in the heart of Da Nang urban area. Photo: GIA PHUC

All of these add touches to make this ‘green silk strip’ more attractive and impressive. Although it has created such a unique impression for itself, the Han River still needs to be cared for, protected and refurbished more to make itself beautiful over the years.

First, it's on the shore, that is the riverside road and sidewalk area. It cannot be denied that over the past years, Da Nang’s urban development has been very visionary, but it seems that cultural space has not been given a special heed whereas the space on both banks of the Han River can be said to be an invaluable asset of the city.

The planning of these two landscape roads is very advisable now. Although it is late, it certainly must be done. For this issue, the city’s authorities must invite leading experts who are knowledgeable about culture and have experience in planning.

Along with extending the western bank through expanding and upgrading Bach Dang Street, the exploitation of the landscape here needs to be maximized, especially in terms of tourism, fitness, and entertainment services for the city-dwellers and visitors.

Every day, it is not difficult to notice that when the sun has not yet risen or when dusk is beginning to fall, especially during the summer, there are a large number of men, women, and children walking along the riverbank.

Besides, tourists from other places to Da Nang, including many foreigners, also seem to be attracted by the beauty of the Han River, and they often stroll around to admire the scenery and take souvenir photos to keep memories of a visit to this ‘city at the beginning of the sea and at the end of the river’.

With wide sidewalks, it is not difficult to turn both sides of the river into a ‘street stage’ with the ‘backdrop’ of the Han River. The development of a promenade on a section of Bach Dang Street, from the Dragon to Tran Thi Ly bridges, which the city is promoting, is something that needs to be done as soon as possible.

Visitors will enjoy music with an orchestra performing on the riverbank, while walking and enjoying performance with the saxophone, which sounds both romantic and luxurious, and is suitable for the scenery here.

Also with such a ‘backdrop’, it is possible to think of a few small events, such as ‘Artists' Day’, so that artists, even little ones’, will create paintings by the Han River, and through mobilise sponsors, organise more street arts events.

There is still a lot of potential and space to organize events, especially at night, on both sides of the Han River. The landscape on both banks should be exploited to the maximum, especially in new areas such as extended Bach Dang Street. The eastern bank area of Tran Hung Dao section from Han River Bridge towards Son Tra and Chuong Duong streets in Ngu Hanh Son and Cam Le districts.

Along with the green river are clean, airy, spacious and spacious banks with rows of trees and flower beds arranged harmoniously, giving everyone a pleasant feeling every time they come here.

Looking to other parts of the world, usually in well-planned cities, along rivers and bridgeheads, people often use them as buffer spaces (green carpets, public spaces, connection and transition areas between types of public transport). That is also a lesson for Da Nang to explore and make suitable adjustments within the allowable capacity, especially in the spaces along the banks.

After the stories on the shore, there are stories about the river itself. A beautiful and clean river flowing in the heart of the city is very meaningful, especially for a city striving to become an ‘Environmentally-friendly City’ like Da Nang.

On the Han River, there are not only yachts running to take tourists every night, but also daytime activities such as rowing and swimming competitions across the river or along the river, creating a variety of activities on the river, attracting tourists, in addition to a traditional boat racing competition as currently.

It is necessary to aim at the central goal of turning both banks and the entire water surface of the Han River into a ‘true cultural and entertainment space’ to fully exploit the precious potential this river has brought to the city.

Reporting by DAN HUNG - Translating by A.THU