A weekly cultural show featuring traditional ao dai is helping Hoi An shake off the pandemic blues. 

The ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) show first commenced at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 at attractions including Bridge Pagoda, An Hoi Bridge and many streets across the central town. 

The “Thuc Giac Hoi An” (Hoi An Awakens) project, created by local authorities and enterprises, seeks to revive tourism following the impact of Covid-19.

The shows aims to depict Hoi An as a safe and attractive destination. 

The town typically welcomes about five million visitors each year but in 2020, due to the pandemic, the number declined dramatically, forcing many businesses to close.

Along with conical hats, in this case lit, iron-frame lanterns are signatures of Hoi An.

Crowds gather to enjoy the performance at Bridge Pagoda. The national relic that appears on VND20,000 bills is an iconic landmark of the 400-year-old town.

The bridge was built in the early 17th century by Japanese traders who once made up a large part of the town’s population.

Models pose in ao dai, usually made of Vietnamese silk, representing 1920's and 30s aesthetics.

Many visitors had flocked to Hoi An Saturday night because of the show, according to representatives from the city's Center of Culture, Sports and Broadcasting.

To welcome visitors to Hoi An in 2021, the ancient town will host folk games as well as eco-friendly flower garland and colored lantern shows. 

Vietnam has successfully contained the coronavirus outbreak thanks to efficient quarantine and tracking measures. The country recorded 1,537 infections as of Saturday and 35 deaths, with no community transmissions in over 40 days.