A touch of the past amid the city
The Hang Luoc antique and imitation antique market is familiar to many residents of Ha Noi. From the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the market runs until the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month. For many people, it is not only a place for traders to do business, but also a meeting point between modern values and nostalgic memories of the past.
At this market, antiques and imitation antiques ranging from a few years old to several decades or even a century can be found. Antique enthusiasts look forward to each Lunar New Year (Tet) to wander through the stalls, hoping to discover an item of personal significance. Bronze incense burners, ceremonial bells, cups, glasses, or even coins from previous centuries, intricately inlaid wooden chairs, and classic European-style table lamps are all displayed at this special market. Prices range from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions of Vietnamese Dong, therefore visitors can find items that suit their preferences and budgets.
Hoa Thuy from Hoan Kiem Ward said that she visits the Hang Luoc antique market every year, sometimes simply to look around, and sometimes to find to buy something suitable for her house.
“Everyone in the Old Quarter goes to this market; it’s almost a cultural practice. It’s fascinating. These items are not always available whenever you want to buy them. Some things only appear at this time, at this market. That’s what makes it special,” she shared.
For Huu, who has been selling at the Hang Luoc antique market every year, it is not only about trading but about enjoying traditional cultural values. Meeting and exchanging stories with visitors and fellow enthusiasts are a small but meaningful joy for him during Tet.
“Old items all have their own stories, values and significances. Understanding them and sharing that understanding with people who share the same interest is a unique pleasure, not simply business,” he said.
Although many items are now sold online, many people still keep the habit of visiting the Hang Luoc antique market, sometimes simply to relive memories of old Ha Noi and to feel the cultural values that have become an unmistakable feature of the capital.
Many young people are interested in the antique market
In recent years, the Hang Luoc antique and imitation antique market has attracted increasing attention. Not only older residents but also many young people show interest in this annual market.
Phuong Minh from Dong Da Ward visits the market every year, as it is conveniently located near the flower market, making it easy to look around and purchase.
"I like things that have a traditional, old-fashioned feel, so I like this market. Nowadays, young people like us also really enjoy learning about old cultural values instead of chasing modern trends," said Minh.
For many young people who work in Ha Noi but are not originally from the city, they may discover the Hang Luoc antique market while visiting Hang Ma Street or the flower market, and they are attracted by its uniqueness.
“At first, I brought my friend to Hang Ma to buy decorations to take back to our hometown, but I found this market so unique that I've been browsing for a while now. Young people like me may not fully understand the value of antiques or imitation antiques, but I find many exquisite products that attract me. Having an old-fashioned market like this amidst the bustling modern streets is truly something worth preserving," shared Hoang from Dong Da Ward.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, Hang Luoc antique market remains, possessing a unique and unmistakable character. This character is created from a harmonious blend of traditional values and cultural elements, imbued with the essence of the past.
