HÀ NỘI — The beautiful landscape and cultural activities of the rural areas of the capital are on display at an exhibition that opened yesterday in Hà Nội.

With the theme “Life in Suburban Hà Nội”, the exhibition showcased 139 photos depicting various angles such as culture, festivals, customs, architecture, landscapes and the relationship between people and nature.

The exhibition reflected the capital’s tradition and development after 10 years being expanded.

It’s the result of a photo contest launched by the Hà Nội Association of Photographic Artists (HAPA) with the aim of strengthening the skills of photographers, creating a playground for them to exchange and express passions and commemorating the 10th anniversary of Hà Nội’s expansion.

In two months, the organising board received 1,750 entries sent by 293 photographers nationwide, especially those from Hà Nội.

“This is the first time a photo contest of Hà Nội’s suburban area has been organised,” said Đặng Đình An, chairman of the HAPA.

“The capital city with its tradition, culture and landscape has been an endless inspiration for the photographers.”

“With 1,350 craft villages, Hà Nội is the locality which has most craft villages in the country. Today, we have many photos capturing these villages with the beauty of tradition and people at work.”

“Through the photos, we recognise the dynamic changes of the rural areas when they are parts of the capital’s development.”

Hà Nội has reportedly undergone considerable changes in its economic growth, appearance and infrastructure in the decade since the administrative boundary expansions.

The expansion marked a historic event with long-term and comprehensive impacts and influence on the capital city’s political, economic and social situation.

After merging with the whole neighbouring Hà Tây Province, the Mê Linh District of Vĩnh Phúc Province and four communes of Lương Sơn District of Hoà Bình Province, Hà Nội stretches over 3,328 sq.km, tripling the former acreage. The city has 577 communes, districts and townships of 29 districts and towns.

The exhibition will run until August 8 at the Exhibition House, 45 Tràng Tiền Street, Hà Nội. — VNS