To be completed in the fall of 2010, the trail of inlaid pottery would break two Guinness records – the longest every pottery inlay, longer than one 3,464m made by Romania’s Nicolate Tonitza High School students; and the artwork created by the largest number of international artists.

Thuy said the primary wall to be inlaid is 95cm high, and her plans include decorating the wall, along with overpasses and their columns in the area in the brightest of pottery colors.

It would incorporate several themes, including - the culture expression of Vietnam through different ages from Phung Nguyen Culture (2000-1500BC) till the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945); pottery pictures of Hanoi and other local cities and provinces’ artists; the pottery products of international artists under the theme “Hanoi in the eyes of international friends”.

The children themselves would also contribute another piece under theme “Hanoi, the City of Peace”.

The wall and structures runs along the dike road that surrounds the Hong (Red) River in Au Co, Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai, Tran Khanh Du streets, Chuong Duong crossroads, among others.

At the Chuong Duong crossroads, the 6km wall is to be inlaid with pottery in the shape of a dragon from the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) – the symbol of Hanoi.

“Everyday on my way to the office,” Thuy said, “I can’t stand to look at all the concrete in that area as it now exists, riddled with graffiti, skid marks and other damage.”

The idea to decorate the area came to her as she wandered around the pottery market in Au Co Street.

“Pottery is timeless,” she said.