HCM City makes plans to preserve Cho Lon

Authorities in HCM City are considering aproject to preserve Cho Lon, known as China town, in order to build itup as a tourist attraction.

Ong and Ba pagodas among rare remains of old Cho Lon

The municipal Department of Planning and Architecture made a report on the project to the municipal government on June 4.
Cho Lon covers an area of 68 hectares, including several wards in Districts 5 and 6.
The area boasts various cultural sitessuch as temples, Chinese pagodas, Binh Tay Market and churches, inaddition to folk and traditional festivals such as the Mid-autumn andTet holidays.
The plan would begin with preservationpilot projects in three areas that occupy a total of around 14hectares. These areas are home to the majority of cultural sites. Thefirst area includes Thap Muoi, Le Tan Ke, Bai Say, and Tran Binhstreets, along with Hang Bang canal. The second area includes Phu DongThien Vuong, Nguyen Trai, Luong Nhu Hoc, and Tran Hung Dao streets. Thethird area comprises Hai Thuong Lan Ong, and Van Kiep streets as well asVo Van Kiet Revenue.
Experts who took part in the project\'sstudy said that, if approved, the project would not only help preservethe cultural heritage and identity of the area but also foster tourismdevelopment and increase incomes in and around the areas.
They added that preservation is of great importance, as development in the area has been gradually infringing on Cho Lon.
In addition to preserving existinginfrastructure and limiting the height of new buildings in protectedareas, the plan also calls for the upgrading of the square in front ofBinh Tay Market, pedestrianising roads and cracking down on illegalparking. The plan also recommends upgrading Hang Bang Canal.
Currently, authorities in District 6have made plans to relocate and compensate 940 households living alongthe Hang Bang Canal, along with the owners of 58 stores to the south ofBinh Tay Market.
The project’s consultant proposed thatthe Binh Tay Market also be upgraded to create a large public spacethat would be greenery, water transport and restaurant and shoppingareas.