When the lunar New Year holiday (Tet) draws near, Hang Ma and Hang Luoc streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are adorned with colourful Tet decorations.

Hang Ma and Hang Luoc are noted for their traditional Tet flower market that has spanned approximately 500 years.

Not only people living in the Old Quarter but those from other localities visit the market for Tet decorations or flowers.

Blossoming peach branches are the favourites with local residents ahead of the Tet holiday.

A blossoming peach branch is indispensable for Hanoians during the Tet holiday.

The blossoming of peach flowers signals the arrival of spring, the first season of the year.

Alongside a peach branch, many people choose a small kumquat tree to decorate their house.

Thuy tien (Narcissus tazetta) is also chosen by Hanoians as the flowers have their special elegant beauty and pleasant aroma.

Intricately-trimmed stone lotus is also the favourite with local residents.

Paper and silk made flowers are also sold in the market because of their long lasting colour.

Coming to Hang Luoc flower market, local residents not only buy flowers or walk away stress but also find old memories.

Many people spend hours strolling along the street to choose a favourite peach branch

Back to Hang Ma street, which is famous for decorations during special occasions of the year, visitors get lost in a world of Tet decoration.

This year, the market is not as crowded as in previous years.

Sellers hope the COVID-19 epidemic will be contained soon so that the market will be busy as it is.