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"In the heart of the capital city
Uncle Ho returns
Soldier
Enter through the five city gates.
I've finally arrived, Hanoi!
He fought in the resistance for eight years.
I'm back here in Hanoi today.
Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they smiled.”
(Excerpt from a poem by Tố Hữu)
On October 10, 1954, Hanoi was liberated, a glorious historical milestone and an epic in the Ho Chi Minh era, ushering in a new period of development for the capital and the country. During these days, the streets of Hanoi are brightly decorated with red flags, banners, and slogans celebrating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital. International tourists can also visit sites associated with the liberation of Hanoi on this occasion.
Long Bien Bridge, a witness to history.
The Long Bien Bridge is known as a "historical witness" of our country. Having weathered the ups and downs of time and historical events, the bridge still stands tall and has become one of Hanoi's symbols. The Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge spanning the Red River, connecting the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts of Hanoi. It was built by the French from 1898 to 1902 during the time of the then Governor-General of Indochina, Doumer. The bridge is 2290m long across the river and has an 896m approach bridge. It consists of 19 steel girder spans placed on 20 piers, with a unique architectural style. The bridge is designed with a single railway track running in the middle, and two lanes on either side for bicycles and pedestrians.
The bridge bears the marks of history.
The entire nation, united in determination, achieved the glorious victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, "renowned throughout the world and shaking the earth," forcing the French colonialists to sign the Geneva Accords on July 21, 1954, recognizing the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the three Indochinese countries and agreeing to withdraw their troops from North Vietnam.
Unforgettable historical memories of the Capital City
True to their promise, after nine years of arduous and protracted resistance, and thanks to the unwavering fighting spirit of our army and people – enduring hardships and suffering without wavering – the soldiers returned to the historic Long Bien Bridge.
The Long Bien Bridge is the first steel bridge spanning the Red River, connecting Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts in Hanoi.
On October 8, 1954, the French army held a flag-lowering ceremony, and on October 9, they began withdrawing from Hanoi. As the French troops withdrew, our army took over the areas they occupied. By 4 PM on October 9, 1954, the last French soldiers had crossed the Long Bien Bridge, and our army and people had completely taken control of the city. The bridge was the place that welcomed the victorious army returning to take over the capital.
Northern Vietnam Government House, a historical landmark of the capital city.
The Northern Vietnam Government House, also known as the Commissioner's Office, is now the Government Guest House, located at 12 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The Northern Vietnam Government House is situated in the heart of the capital, 500 meters east of Hoan Kiem Lake, to the left of Chi Linh Flower Garden (now Ly Thai To Flower Garden) and behind the Central Post Office.
The Northern Palace in the autumnal light of the Revolution.
The Northern Palace historical site, now the Government Guest House.
Previously, the Northern Vietnam Government House was the head of the French administration in Tonkin, under the supervision of the Governor-General of Indochina. The building survived both fierce resistance wars against the French and the Americans. The Northern Vietnam Government House was one of the first locations taken over by the Vietnam People's Army in the capital on that historic day 70 years ago.
The ancient citadel (Thang Long Imperial Citadel) holds within it a rich historical story.
Doan Mon Gate - Thang Long Imperial Citadel is where our army concentrated when we took over the capital on October 10, 1954. The site is located south of Kinh Thien Palace, aligned with the Hanoi Flagpole.
Historic flag-raising ceremony on Liberation Day of Hanoi at Doan Mon Gate.
Doan Mon Gate is not only an ancient architectural structure but also a living historical witness, marking the glorious chapters of Vietnamese history. The image of the red flag with a yellow star fluttering atop the gate has become an immortal symbol, marking a golden chapter in the nation's history. Every brick, every mark on the city wall tells a story, a imprint of time.
The flagpole in Hanoi, forever flying the national flag.
The flagpole was begun in 1805 during the Nguyen Dynasty and took seven years to complete. Since then, over 200 years later, the Hanoi Flagpole has been intertwined with the many ups and downs of the capital city. In 1945, after the success of the August Revolution, the red flag with a yellow star was hoisted on the Hanoi Flagpole for the first time. On the Liberation Day of Hanoi, October 10, 1954, the national flag once again flew atop the historic flagpole. It has become a historical landmark of the capital and the entire country.
"The Symbol of the Capital City"
With a total height of 41.4m (including the flagpole), the Hanoi Flagpole is easily visible from afar. The flagpole has a structure consisting of a three-tiered base and a tower, with spiral staircases connecting the tiers.
The base of the flagpole is constructed in the shape of a truncated square pyramid, with progressively smaller areas stacked on top of each other. The first level is 3.1m high, with each side measuring 42.5m. The second level is 3.7m high, with each side measuring 27m; three of the four entrances are inscribed with characters: Huong Minh (South entrance), Nghenh Huc (East entrance), and Hoi Quang (West entrance). The third level is 5.1m high, with each side measuring 12.8m, and has a staircase leading to it facing north.
The flagpole also stands as a testament to a glorious period of resistance against the French, a symbol of the unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit of generations of Hanoi's people.
The national flag, measuring 24 square meters (4 x 6 meters), is made of satin fabric and hangs atop the flagpole. The corners of the flag are reinforced with diamond-shaped stitching to withstand strong winds. The image of the red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the wind against the blue sky carries a sacred and heroic meaning.
Kim Ma Street, where history passes through.
On that momentous day 70 years ago, the people of Hanoi lined both sides of Kim Ma Street to welcome the 308th Division as it took over the capital. Today, Kim Ma Street remains a bustling thoroughfare, playing a vital role as one of Hanoi's important transportation arteries.
Kim Ma Street marks a glorious milestone in the capital's history.
These days, many areas along the streets of Hanoi are brightly decorated with flags and flowers to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital. Hanoi residents also express their joy and excitement at the positive changes in the capital. Hanoi has truly transformed to adapt to the era of industrialization and modernization, while still preserving the historical and cultural landmarks associated with the glorious traditions of the heroic capital, a city with a thousand years of civilization.
