Hai Phong City is set to officially launch a pilot Walking Street program encompassing the City Theater area, the Central Flower Garden strip, and adjacent streets starting June 26, 2026. This initiative represents a strategic move to awaken the city's "night economy," transforming the central district into a bustling hub for culture, tourism, and commerce. By creating a specialized space for entertainment and services, Hai Phong aims to enhance its competitive edge as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Building on Success: The Foundation for Reform
The decision to establish a permanent walking street follows the remarkable success of activities held during the Hoa Phuong Do (Red Flamboyant) Festival in May 2026. During that week, the central flower garden area attracted over 128,800 visitors, with peak daily attendance reaching 25,000 people. These activities generated more than 2 billion VND in revenue for participating stalls and local businesses on Tran Hung Dao and Quang Trung streets. This proven demand underscored the necessity of a structured night-time economy to utilize the city’s central advantages effectively.
Launch Schedule and Strategic Scope
The official launch program is scheduled to take place from June 26 to June 28, 2026. Following the grand opening, the Walking Street will operate regularly every weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 18:00 to 24:00.
The program will run as a six-month pilot. During this period, city authorities will monitor operations, evaluate effectiveness, and refine management strategies before officially approving a long-term Walking Street Project for subsequent stages. The designated zone covers a "golden loop" of central locations, including:
- The City Theater Square and the fountain area.
- Quang Trung Street (from Me Linh to Hoang Van Thu).
- Tran Hung Dao Street (from Minh Khai to Dinh Tien Hoang).
- Hoang Van Thu Street (from Ky Dong to Cau Dat).
- Dinh Tiên Hoàng Street (from Phan Chu Trinh to Tran Phu).
A Multifaceted Cultural and Culinary Experience
The Walking Street is designed to be more than just a pedestrian path; it is an immersive environment offering diverse experiences.
Cultural and Artistic Heartland: The City Theater Square will serve as the focal point, featuring a central stage equipped with modern LED screens and lighting systems for special art performances from 20:30 to 21:30. Meanwhile, the fountain area will host street arts, including magic shows, musical instruments, and traditional folk performances such as hat xam, hat dum, and ca tru. To cater to the younger demographic and social media trends, numerous "check-in" points and artistic photo booths will be installed throughout the area.
Culinary and Commercial Hubs: The city is leveraging its famous "Food Tour" brand by dedicating specific zones to gastronomy. Tran Hung Dao Street will feature international cuisine from South Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand alongside local specialties. On Quang Trung Street, particularly near the Le Chan Flower Garden, visitors can explore OCOP (One Commune One Product) stalls, souvenirs, and local delicacies showcased in aesthetic mobile carts. The "Five Flower Shops" area will also remain a key attraction for those looking to purchase fresh flowers and floral products.
Modern Nightlife Services: Beyond traditional stalls, the adjacent streets of Hoang Van Thu and Dinh Tien Hoang are encouraged to develop modern night economy services, such as bars, pubs, karaoke, music cafes, and Hai Phong’s signature "chrysanthemum tea" shops.
Ensuring Safety and Modern Infrastructure
To support this large-scale operation, Hai Phong has implemented comprehensive infrastructural upgrades. This includes the installation of public wifi, surveillance cameras, and clear signage. Public toilets will be strategically placed along Tran Hung Dao, Quang Trung, and Hoang Van Thu streets to ensure convenience and urban hygiene.
Safety remains a top priority. The City Police will manage traffic flow, implement vehicle bans in the pedestrian zones, and maintain security and fire safety. Furthermore, health departments will strictly monitor food safety for all vendors to protect residents and tourists.
Future Goals and Expectations
The launch of the Walking Street carries profound significance for the future of Hai Phong.
- Economic Growth: By stimulating consumption through night-time services, the city expects to create jobs, increase income for local households, and boost overall retail and tourism revenue.
- Cultural Elevation: The space provides a healthy community environment where traditional values coexist with modern creativity, enhancing the spiritual life of the citizens.
- Global Competitiveness: Developing symbolic and creative tourism products helps Hong Bang District and Hai Phong City compete with other major destinations domestically and internationally.
- A "Non-Sleeping" City Vision: The success of this pilot will serve as a model for other districts. Localities such as Do Son, Thuy Nguyen, and Cat Hai have already been directed to study and propose their own night economy models suitable for their specific conditions.
In conclusion, the launch of the Walking Street in the City Theater area is a bold step toward modernizing Hai Phong’s urban landscape. With careful preparation and the consensus of the community, the city is poised to become a vibrant, attractive, and culturally rich "city that never sleeps," welcoming the world to experience its unique heritage and dynamic future.