Hanoi, Vietnam’s political and cultural center, has changed its facelift over the time, but still retains the cultural features of the ancient Thang Long, Kinh Te & Do Thi reported.

Before being named Thang Long, the land was called Long Do, Tong Binh, and Dai La. After taking on the throne, King Ly Thai To relocated Vietnam’s capital city from Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province to Thang Long (Hanoi today) 1,010 years ago.

King Ly Thai To was born as Ly Cong Uan in 974 in Kinh Bac, today's Bac Ninh province and later became a military commander under the early Le dynasty.

In November 1009, he assumed the throne and founded the Ly dynasty, which would last for more than 200 years.

The following year, he decided to transfer the capital city from Hoa Lu to Dai La and renamed it Thang Long, which means "ascending dragon", opening a glorious era for Vietnam's capital city.

Over the time, the toponymy of the land has been changed several times to Dong Do, Dong Quan, Bac Thanh. The name Hanoi was given in 1831, during the reign of King Minh Mang.

Nowadays, Hanoi's leaders always attach importance to promoting Thang Long’s traditions and make Hanoi increasingly wealthy, beautiful and civilized.

Below is the selection of photos of Hanoi in the past and at present:

1. Hanoi flagpole in the past and at present.

2. Hoan Kiem lake in the past and at present.

3. Thang Long Imperial Citadel in the past and at present.

4. Son Tay ancient citadel of the past and at present.

5. O Quan Chuong (The city’s gate) in the past and at present.

6. Hanoi Opera House in the past and at present.