TURTLE LAKE- THE MATCHING POINT OF LOVE AND CULTURE
Address: International Square, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Turtle Lake is one of the interesting places in Saigon. Turtle Lake has a long history and has seen many changes here. At the important intersection of Saigon, the Turtle Lake stands there to collect a lot of the quintessence of history and culture. This is a great place to experience interesting things. This roundabout has become a mark in the hearts of Saigonese. And through the generations, Turtle Lake is still the place that Saigonese come and remember as the loveliest place in Saigon.
Turtle Lake from above sight (Source: thevista.vn)
About Turtle Lake
The anecdote about Turtle Lake comes from the book “The Turtle Lake Case” (1982) which deals with spirituality and geomancy. During the period of the President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, there was a geomancy viewer who said that this location was the dragon vein: the dragon's head was at the Independence Palace and the dragon's tail was in the Soldiers' Square. This will make the country prosperous but will not be sustainable because the dragon's tail is struggling. Therefore, it is necessary to cast a large tortoise on top of the dragon's tail at this position for the country's long-term development. Then this tall tower was built. However, the architecture of this high tower is like a sword, hammered into the lake to hold the dragon's tail. The surrounding campus is shaped like a bagua, with a “yin and yang” in the middle.
In fact, Turtle Lake has a long history. Starting from the Nguyen Dynasty in 1790, this place was the location of the gate of Kham Khuyet citadel - Quy citadel (later known as Vong Khuyet gate of King Minh Mang's reign). In 1837, the king broke down Quy citadel and built a smaller city, Phung citadel. The Kham Khuyet citadel became a point outside the citadel.
After the French invaded our country, they razed Gia Dinh citadel (official name of Phung citadel) in 1859 and began to rebuild the whole city. This location is marked as number 16- a road leading to the river wharf. The water tower was built for the purpose of supplying water to people in 1878. But the tower was demolished in 1921 because it could no longer provide enough water for the people. The water tower was rebuilt as a soldier statue in the following years. In 1956, the state demolished it again; at this intersection there was only a small lake.
In 1965-1967, architect Nguyen Ky designed and rebuilt this place. Built with 5 tall concrete columns in the form of five outstretched hands to support flowers. This design work is expanded into a traffic circle around the lake. There are 4 roads going up to the central area. There is an image of a turtle carrying a stone stele inscribed with the names of people with meritorious services to the country. That's why this place is called "Turtle Lake". After 1975, the inscriptions were gone, and the turtle statue was also destroyed in an explosion. However, people still call this place the Turtle Lake with all the love from close memories.
Old Turtle Lake from in 1975 (Source: cuocsongcuatui.com)
Romantic beauty from the combination of love and culture
The small, sad, lonely lake between the big city and the tall university buildings around it, has become attractively beautiful by the talented designer. Turtle Lake planted more flowers and trees around. The cleverly designed spiral streets honor the beauty of the central area and the tower. Simple but meticulous design has created an architecture associated with people's lives. Turtle Lake is a witness of history, people's daily lifestyle. And it is also a place of love, culture and knowledge amidst the bustling space of Saigon.
The Turtle Lake roundabout area develops over time and is surrounded by trees. This creates an extremely airy, pleasant and comfortable space for people who come here, or passersby here. Turtle Lake has become a destination for many Saigonese, especially young people. Between the classical and modern space, the modernity of the city, the bustle of the flow of people make the space here extremely dynamic and beautiful. Spending time at Turtle Lake with friends or lovers is a great choice for peaceful and romantic moments.
Besides, at Turtle Lake, there is also street food. The bold dishes of Saigon always appear at Turtle Lake. The dishes at Turtle Lake are very rich and attract tourists by its uniqueness. Especially in the evening, Turtle Lake becomes more crowded and fanciful than ever. Coming to Turtle Lake in the evening, you will be able to see the colorful fountain and the city shimmering under the lights. It is the nightlife of Saigon people and is also the characteristic of Saigon non sleep city.
Turtle Lake with beautiful and romantic space (Source: kiki.zalo.ai)
Turtle Lake is a place filled with historical-cultural-aesthetic values and is one of the symbols of Saigon. A beautiful and peaceful lake in the green space is like a waterfall in the middle of the forest. Turtle Lake has a simple, classic, mysterious, and attractive beauty. With every passing line of people, each passing generation, Turtle Lake is still standing there, quietly watching Saigon life. Turtle Lake became a part of Saigon people's life and this place is imprinted in their memory. Turtle Lake is attached to the growth of students, in the life of Saigon people here, in the memory of passersby, and in the impression of tourists. Turtle Lake exists as a monument of idyllic love from the connections in the souls of each person here. It becomes familiar, like a friend to share every moment: when you're having fun with your lover, when you play pranks with your friends when you're sad because of your grades at school, etc. Every moment counts. of the Turtle Lake. Therefore, Turtle Lake is not simply a place to visit but a rendezvous to share wonderful moments. Turtle Lake is a rendezvous of Saigon's love and culture. Surely Turtle Lake will bring you a wonderful experience.
Have you been to Turtle Lake yet? Share your experience with us!
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