Hanoi authorities celebrated to mark the 234th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da victory against Chinese Qing invaders on January 26 (the fifth day of the first lunar month).

The ceremony, one of the first festivals of the year, holds significant meaning as it reminds the locals of the country’s history full of pride and a nation’s unwavering determination to defend the sovereignty against foreign invasion, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh said at the annual festival held  in Dong Da District to mark the event

Thanh stressed the great importance of Emperor Quang Trung's victory over Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da 234 years ago, which drove out more than 20,000 Qing soldiers, liberated the imperial city of Thang Long, and restored national independence and freedom.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh offers incense at the ceremony. Photos: Thanh Hai/ The Hanoi Times

 “The victory in 1789 marked a milestone in Vietnam’s history, reflecting the country’s great unity and strong will to defeat any invaders,” the Hanoi mayor stressed.

He added that it marked a proud chapter in Vietnamese history as an immortal and epic struggle for national construction and defense. “The annual festival is designed to uphold the country’s cultural values while educating the young generations about the traditions of patriotism and national pride,” Thanh said.

The festival was organized with ceremonial rituals and a festive drum performance reenacting Emperor Quang Trung's victory to help visitors and the people understand the nation's swift campaign and the epic battle to drive the invaders out of the country.

Drum program to celebrate the 234th anniversary of Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da victory.

In these spring days of 1789, the Vietnamese army led by Emperor Quang Trung won the fight against 20,000 Qing invaders, liberating the imperial city of Thang Long and regaining national independence and freedom. Since then, the fifth day of the first lunar month has become the traditional day commemorating this historic victory.

On December 24, 2018, Dong Da Hillock was recognized as a special national relic site by the Vietnamese Government, given its exceptional historical and cultural characteristics. 

Early in the morning of January 26, many people in the capital city and from other provinces gather at the relic site to participate in the festival.