Nhan Dan - Taking place from December 30, 2009 to January 3, 2010, the 2010 Hanoi Flower Festival will be the first of a series of cultural events in Hanoi and other provinces and cities nationwide in anticipation of the capital city's coming 1000th anniversary.

During these days, the main streets around Hoan Kiem Lake area will be decorated with hundreds of different varieties of flowers from across the country.

At the head of Dinh Tien Hoang street, visitor will have a chance to contemplate a 4.5m high symbol of Hanoi made from 1,000 gold chrysanthemums. It is followed with a selection of Thang Long festival drums created on the carpet of colourful flowers.

Meanwhile, by the statue of Emperor Ly Thai To, the symbols of Hanoi made from flowers are also displayed. There is also a 6-meter high tower of flowers surrounded by nine dragons woven from fresh flowers and fruits, expressing the immortality of Thang Long- Hanoi’s 1000-year history.

A 79-kg, 1.93-m high mother-of-pearl inlaid board featuring Emperor Ly Thai To’s royal edict announcing the new capital, made by artist Tran Ba Nam is placed in the middle of the square. A model of Long Bien Bridge made from rattan and Hanoi’s famous peach, kumquat and ceramic villages are created on a bed of colorful flowers.

Many other cultural activities will be held during the festival such as a flower arranging contest, a fashion show of 'Ao Dai' (Vietnam's traditional long dress) with the participation of many famous designers.

According to the organizing board, the Hanoi Flower Festival this year is expected to be a wonderful chance for visitors to contemplate a number of unique artistic works made from flowers.