Hàng Giấy - Street Of Paper

Heading in a North-South direction, with the northern end at Hang Dau Street and the southern end at Dong Xuan Street, Hang Giay Street spans a length of 208 meters, situated within Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi.

Historically, Hang Giay Street was known for various types of paper produced by the villagers of Buoi Village. The street offered a variety of papers, including tissue paper, coarse paper, thin paper, and China paper. The facades of the ancient houses along the street still display the names of renowned paper stores, beautifully crafted in cement reliefs.

The name “Hang Giay” dates back to the French colonial era when it was referred to as “Rue de Papier.” Following the August Revolution, the name persisted in its original form. Initially, Hang Giay served as an old dyke road running from Northeast Hanoi. Prior to 1915, the street was unpaved and lacked trees. Most houses were modest huts or brick structures topped with metal roofs.

The commercial atmosphere was relatively quiet, featuring a handful of shops selling haberdashery items and some herbalists offering traditional medicine. On days when Dong Xuan Market hosted periodic trading sessions, the street would come alive with activity as villagers from Buoi Village sold their paper products along both sides, particularly near the Hang Khoai junction.

After 1925, the character of Hang Giay Street began to change, gradually incorporating western-style houses built by affluent businessmen. Over the years, the range of businesses expanded beyond paper, yet the name "Hang Giay" continues to evoke memories of Hanoi's rich traditional craftsmanship.