Following the announcement that the Shark Jaw building near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is set to be demolished, thousands of people have flocked to the site to capture their last memories before the iconic structure disappears.
For years, the Shark Jaw building has been a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy viewing Hanoi from above. Built between 1991 and 1993, the building sits adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake. With its unique design resembling a giant shark jaw, the structure has attracted attention for its distinctive architecture and its prime location in the heart of the capital.
Hanoi authorities recently decided to remove the building as part of a project to enhance the surrounding space of Hoan Kiem Lake. The structure will be demolished before April 30 to make way for the 12,000-square-metre Dong Kinh-Nghia Thuc Square.
Upon hearing the news, many people rushed to Shark Jaw to preserve their memories. The sudden influx of visitors has even led to congestion in the area.
During a trip to Hanoi with friends, 22-year-old Cam Van did not want to miss the opportunity to visit the building and take some photos. "I feel quite regretful upon hearing the news, so I quickly planned a visit to take pictures before it is gone forever," Van shared.
Another visitor, 23-year-old Thu Uyen, spent about an hour preparing her outfit and makeup before heading to the site for photos. "Even though the weather was a bit gloomy, what mattered most was that we were able to capture special moments with this famous building," she said.
Many couples have also taken the chance to photograph themselves at the building. Quynh Anh, 21, and her boyfriend decided to visit to preserve their memories. Over the years, they have frequented the building for shopping and coffee dates. "We wanted to have a special photo here so that one day we can tell our children about a place that was once a part of Hanoi," Quynh Anh said excitedly.
Bao Anh,13, was taken by her mother to the Shark Jaw right after school. "Since I was little, my parents often took me to Hoan Kiem Lake, and this building has always been a familiar sight in our family's memories. That's why my mother and I wanted to take photos before this place changes," she expressed.
Locals and international tourists have voiced their regret over the impending demolition. Faustyna, from Finland, and her boyfriend visited the Shark Jaw during their first trip to Hanoi. "Before coming here, I was surprised to hear that the building is about to be demolished. I have seen many photographs of it taken by photographers worldwide. While it may not symbolise Hanoi, I still feel quite sad about its removal," Faustyna shared.
Many visitors have chosen cafes across the street to get the best panoramic view of the Shark Jaw before it becomes a distant memory.
The building's architecture amazed Camila (right) and her friend, a tourist from Chile. "From this spot, we can not only see the building clearly but also take in the entire pedestrian street and the fountain, giving us a complete view of Hanoi's charm," Camila noted.
Egidijus and Vidmante, visitors from Lithuania, had an unexpected experience on their very first day in Hanoi. As they strolled around Hoan Kiem Lake, they became curious about the large crowds taking pictures in front of the Shark Jaw building. "After looking it up, we discovered that the building is about to be demolished and has become a trending check-in spot. So, we decided to pick a cafe where we could observe it better while joining in on the trend," Egidijus said.
During rush hour, many people stopped their vehicles at Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square to take photos despite the heavy traffic.
Hai Nam, 26, a resident, commented, "I understand that everyone wants to take a commemorative photo, but stopping in the middle of the road like this is very dangerous. This area is already crowded, and accidents could happen if people are not careful."
