Hanoi praised by Chinese photographer for its cinematic atmosphere

A Chinese photographer has shared his impressions of Hanoi, describing the city as having a rare “cinematic quality” in Southeast Asia. After spending five days exploring the capital on foot, the visitor noted that the city's charm lies not in modern skyscrapers, but in its everyday life and historic atmosphere.

Key highlights from his journey included the bustling streets filled with motorbikes, narrow alleys where old trains pass close to residential porches, and the scent of coffee from sidewalk cafes. He captured various iconic and atmospheric scenes, such as the architecture of the Temple of Literature, the wooden shutters of the Metropole Hotel, and the presence of women in traditional áo dài near St. Joseph's Cathedral. The photographer emphasized that the city's ability to feel like a film set through its ordinary, unpolished moments is what makes it uniquely captivating.