A storm of controversy has raged over children playing and taking a bath in a musical fountain at a square in Da Nang City, central Vietnam.

Over the past few days, the March 29 Square, currently undergoing an upgrade, has drawn crowds of both locals and tourists, all thanks to the enchanting allure of the musical fountain.

However, children were keen on playing with water and cooling down in the musical fountain, irritating many revelers.

Hoang Thuy, a 28-year-old resident of Hai Chau District, said that she felt frustrated as the kids took a bath in the dancing fountain. 

"People come to the square to enjoy the music and watch the water move in sync with the melodies, not for children's mischief," Thuy complained.

Thuy also voiced her concern over the safety of the kids as a powerful water spray could hurt them.

On the other hand, Nguyen Van Tien, a 45-year-old resident of Cam Le District, expressed a different viewpoint, suggesting that the atmosphere would become livelier if children were allowed to play with water in the musical fountain.

Their action seems to create a festive space, he said.

Videos showing children playing and taking a bath in the musical fountain have gone viral, sparking controversy.

Many discouraged such mischief, while others felt it was great fun.

To prevent children from playing in the musical fountain, the management board of the square issued warnings against their mischief via the loudspeaker system, but many parents ignored them.

Though square staffers fenced the fountain area with a string, children still entered the area.

As part of the March 29 Square upgrade and expansion project, the musical fountain, which carried a price tag of nearly VND10 billion (US$403,000), is operating on a trial basis.

The dancing fountain spans 600 square meters and features 24 songs.

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