Hanoi to build four gates

Hanoi authorities on June 29 agreed to build four gates at the city’s four gateways before September 2 to welcome its 1000th anniversary.
The city government approved four gate designs after consulting the Vietnam and Hanoi Architect Associations. The fifth gate honoring Bach Dang River battle was not approved because it was not supported by experts.
On June 22, the city organized a workshop introducing the designs of five gates. Five companies were willing to sponsor construction costs, estimated at 50 billion dong. However, Hanoi authorities decided to not invest too much in the gates.
According to the Steering Board for Thang Long-Hanoi’s 1000th Anniversary, these gates will be built by composite plastic or fiberboard to lower construction costs and to ensure their durability for only one year. If the people like the designs, they will be re-built using permanent materials.
The four approved gates include: The gate featuring ten “chim lac” (Vietnamese legendary birds) in Dai Xuyen commune, Phu Xuyen district; the gate featuring a replica of a Dong Son bronze drum in Thanh Xuan commune, Soc Son District; the gate in Hoai Duc district, featuring a bronze drum rising from the ground and water; and the gate in Ninh Hiep commune, Gia Lam district, featuring eight dragons to symbolize the eight Ly kings.