Vietnam: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi (early 20th century)

Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning 'Lake of the Returned Sword' is located in the historical center of Hanoi and is today one of the most scenic and well-known sights in the Vietnamese capital. According to legend, the lake is named after a magic sword belonging to Emperor Le Loi, which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty. A wooden, red-painted bridge called The Huc Bridge connects Jade Island to the shore across the lake. Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) stands on the island. It was erected in the 18th century to honor the 13th-century military leader Trang Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty. The Turtle Tower, named after the giant soft-shell turtles often spotted in the lake, also stands on a small island.