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On the morning of August 19th, a special project was officially inaugurated on Nguyen Huu Canh Street (Saigon Ward, former District 1). The mural street, "Beautiful Vietnam," stretching nearly 600 meters and covering an area of over 2,600 square meters, has been recognized as the largest mural in Vietnam. From here, walls that were once merely lifeless boundaries between streets, offices, and schools have transformed into a stream of memories, a mirror reflecting the national spirit, both vibrant and solemn.
A section of Nguyen Huu Canh street with murals.
In the joyful atmosphere of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Huu Canh mural street is expected to become one of the most attractive check-in spots in Ho Chi Minh City.
The once-forgotten walls
This project was not created by chance. Previously, many walls and utility poles along the streets of Ho Chi Minh City were defaced by illegal advertisements, especially small pieces of paper related to "loan sharking" and "septic tank cleaning." These not only marred the urban landscape but also posed a potential risk to public order and security.
Based on this situation, the Ho Chi Minh City Police advised the Steering Committee 138 to launch a campaign to remove the graffiti. Hundreds of union members, association members, and citizens joined hands to remove the layers of dirt clinging to the walls. But the campaign didn't stop at just cleaning. Because if you just wipe it away, another layer of advertising will cover it up the next day. Instead, a creative idea was implemented: transforming those walls into works of art. And from that, the "Beautiful Vietnam" mural series was born, becoming a symbol of the determination to build a civilized city.
The artwork, titled "Beautiful Vietnam," features vibrant colors.
The flow of history and the bond between soldiers and civilians along Nguyen Huu Canh Street.
The 20th artwork in the series was painted on the walls of the Saigon Zoo, Saigon University, and the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation. Walking along the path, one feels as if they are drawn into a multi-episode film, where each frame is a snapshot of memory.
The wall became a living history book, causing many people to stop in their tracks.
In particular, the 300-meter-long mural along this road has caused many passersby to stop in their tracks, and even those waiting at traffic lights have turned to look. The image of the 36 marching contingents during the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country is vividly recreated: from the orderly ranks of soldiers and the majestic artillery convoy to the soaring aircraft against the blue sky. Each shape and color is meticulously depicted by the artists, creating a magnificent painting like an endless epic.
For nearly two months, around 20 young artists in Ho Chi Minh City have been diligently working on the walls, patiently painting each line and adjusting each color. This is not just a creative endeavor; it's a dedication from today's generation to the indelible memories of the nation.
Walking along the road, one feels as if they are reliving an epic. Interspersed among the troops, artillery, airplanes, and fluttering national flags are scenes of peaceful homeland landscapes, happy smiles, and images of police officers alongside the people. Against this backdrop are powerful slogans: “National Independence,” “The Nation's Complete Joy,” “Protecting the Homeland's Seas and Sky,” “Peace is Truly Beautiful,” “A Steel Shield Protecting Peaceful Life,” “Amidst Glory,” “50 Years of Vietnamese Heroism.” These phrases are not merely words, but echoes from history, reminding passersby that every step today is taken within the flow of memory.
Images of marching formations are recreated with slogans defending the homeland.
What moved viewers was not only the visual appeal, but also the spirit of community behind it. Each brushstroke was the sweat and dedication of the police force and young artists, a testament to the collaboration between the government and the people. This mural not only revitalized the urban landscape but also affirmed the close relationship between the armed forces and the people – a partnership in the journey of preserving and building the nation.
A landmark commemorating 80 years of the People's Public Security Force's tradition.
On the morning of August 19th, the Nguyen Huu Canh mural street project was officially inaugurated. This event is part of a series of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People's Public Security Force (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the 20th anniversary of the National Day for Protecting National Security.
This project is part of a series of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People's Police.
In that solemn atmosphere, the Nguyen Huu Canh mural street was not only recognized as a national record, but also acknowledged as a special cultural and social landmark. The 600-meter-long wall proves that beauty can be born from forgotten places, that walls can become living history books, telling the story of peace, of faith, and of a beautiful Vietnam.
