An architect’s impression of the entrance of the Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street 2024 in District 1. — Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

HCM CITY — Saigontourist Group announced on Tuesday new concepts for Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street for the upcoming celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

According to the organising board, the 2024 Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street is themed ‘Spring of Love – Tết Reunion’. The installation of different mascots and scenes formally began from 7am on January 21 and will last to 12pm on February 7, 2024.

Following this theme, the flower street will showcase a captivating entrance with a pair of winding dragon sculptures spanning over 100 metres with head circumferences exceeding two metres each, the largest size for a zodiac animal ever displayed at the annual event.

Notably, the two dragons will be crafted from eco-friendly materials, mostly bamboo and rattan.

Representing characteristics from Việt Nam’s Lý (1009-1225), Trần (1225-1400), and Nguyễn (1802-1945) dynasties, three other dragon mascots arranged along the flower street will boast unique features, such as an upward-facing head, a large nose, bulging eyes, a mouth holding a pearl, and a substantial mane.

For the first time, Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street will introduce nine artificial golden trees, crafted for many months by artisans from Mai Vàng Rồng Việt JSC.

With heights ranging from 1m to 3.6m, these trees bring about good wishes for a prosperous year to come via their meaningful names like Mai Đại Phúc (Great Bliss Yellow Apricot Tree), Mai Rồng Việt (Vietnamese Dragon Yellow Apricot Tree), Đào Trường Xuân (Immortality Peach Blossoms), and Đào Phước Lộc (Bliss and Fortune Peach Blossoms.)

Visitors to the street can experience the Augmented Reality (AR) technology at the three locations of ‘Lưỡng Long’ (Two Dragons) Entrance, ‘Thuyền Hoa Xuân’ (Spring Flower Boat), and ‘Nhất Đại Thăng Long’ (the Greatest Thăng Long) Exit.

The grand finale – ‘Greatest Thăng Long’ – will span over 1,000 square metres and medium-size arrangements like a 1,000-square-metre lotus pond, ‘Nine Dragon Doors,’ ’Spring Festival,’ and ‘Glass Cloud’ will add to the immersive experience.

After the flower show, the three dragon mascots and the two 30-centimetre long golden trees will be auctioned for charity.

The Flower Street is designed to combine a vibrant palette of red, orange, and yellow from over 90,000 baskets of 99 flower varieties including carnations, geraniums, dahlias, begonias, and more.

The Flower Street will open from 7pm on February 7 to 9pm on February 14, 2024. — VNS