Thuy Tien Lake Park in Thuy Bang Ward, Thuan Hoa District is surrounded by pine forests. Originally constructed in 2001 with an investment of VND70 billion ($2.74 million), the 49-hectare park included an aquarium, a musical fountain stage, water games, and a lakeside walkway.
In 2008, a new developer took over with plans to renovate the site, but by 2017, the project had stalled. Hue city authorities reclaimed the land, repurposing the area into a community park.
The Thuan Hoa District Green Park Center was assigned to carry out the renovations, backed by a budget of VND20 billion (about $780,000). Assets on the property were auctioned to recover debts.
At the center of the lake stands a dragon statue, once part of the aquarium. Though an earlier plan called for its demolition, the local government requested it remain untouched.
The dragon, measuring over 20 meters in height and stretching 50 meters across the water, once featured in American media and has since become a photo spot.
Cleanup efforts have cleared debris from inside the aquarium. Damaged concrete on the dragon's head, which posed safety risks, was removed, and the staircase leading to the dragon's mouth was repaired to accommodate visitors.
The site continues to attract foreign tourists drawn to the dragon's appearance and the natural beauty.
A 2-kilometer lakeside trail, 4.5 to 6 meters wide, is now paved with granite over a concrete base and equipped with lighting.
Visitors, especially foreigners, enjoy climbing to the dragon's mouth for a panoramic view of the park.
While trash and debris inside the statue have been removed, the graffiti art on the walls has been preserved.
The trail encircling the lake, shaded by pine trees, has become a popular route for walking and cycling in the mornings and afternoons.
Aerial footage shows Thuy Tien Lake Park after its transformation. Video by VnExpress/Vo Thanh
