An outdoor exhibition themed “Hanoi’s historical milestones” to celebrate the 1,010th anniversary of the founding of Thang Long-Hanoi, the city’s 17th Party Committee Congress and the 66th anniversary of its liberation (October 10) is taking place at the Ly Thai To square by Hoan Kiem lake.

Exhibition “Thang Long - Hanoi historical milestones” is held with the participant of the city's leaders on October 3. Photo: Thanh Hai/Kinh te & Do thi

The exhibition features 200 photos and documents, introducing three themes to visitors which cover different periods of Hanoi’s history.

The first topic displays images and documents about the city as an imperial capital of the feudal dynasties in the past starting from 1010 when King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (the northern province of Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (now Hanoi). It also showcases artifacts and documents dating back to 1858 when the French colonists began their invasion of Vietnam.

Hanoi's leaders tour the expo. Photo: Thanh Hai/Kinh te & Do thi

The second theme covers the period between 1858 and 1986, with milestone such as Hanoi fighting French invaders (1858 - 1930), the establishment of the first communist cell in Hanoi (March 1929), and the struggle for independence (1930 - 1945), among others.

Local residents at the expo. Photo: Thanh Hai/Kinh te & Do thi

The last topic includes Hanoi's facelift, creativity and development after the 6th National Party Congress in 1986. In 1999, Hanoi, as the only Asian city, won the title of “City for Peace” from UNESCO. In 2019, it became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

A lion dance. Photo: Thanh Hai/Kinh te & Do thi

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports To Van Dong said the exhibition is an opportunity to instill on local people and tourists the love for the millennial capital.