Historic autumn days
Long Bien bridge, an over-100-year-old bridge has witnessed many historical events in Hanoi. It was here, 70 years ago, that the last French soldiers withdrew from the capital and the Vietnamese army took over Hanoi, marking the start of a new and heroic chapter in the history of this land with its thousand-year-old civilization.
On the early morning of October 10, 1954, the historic autumn day was marked by a sudden rain shower, clearing the skies of Hanoi. People said it was the rain that washed away slavery. From that day, Hanoi people were no longer under oppression. Some Hannoians recalled:
“In 1954, I was 17 years old when the army took over the capital. I was excited to see the soldiers, so I grabbed my camera to capture the moment. It wasn’t just me—everyone in Hanoi was excited. The streets were crowded with people the day before the army’s return. When the troops marched in, there was a burst of energy, and the streets were packed with people.”
"The night before, everything was eerily quiet because the French had left, but our troops hadn’t arrived yet. The next morning, when the soldiers entered the city, we all rushed out to see them. I was only 12 years old at the time, so I had to stand on a chair to get a better view. The boys even climbed lampposts to watch the liberation of the capital. These are priceless, unforgettable memories."
"At the eve, the streets were quiet. Every house had its doors closed. But when people saw the red flag with the yellow star waving, all the doors opened at once. The atmosphere was electric. The peaceful takeover of the capital was the result of a long struggle on political, military, and other fronts. It was also the fulfillment of an oath to sacrifice everything for the Fatherland."
The day of the capital’s liberation passed peacefully without a single shot fired. It’s a symbol of Hanoi as a city of peace, a reputation that has endured over the years.
70 years later, the atmosphere of that historic liberation day is being vividly recreated in the online 3D exhibition “Hey compatriots of the Capital!”
"After nine years of heroic resistance by the Vietnamese people and army, peace returned to Indochina. The people of nationwide, especially the people of Hanoi, were elated as they welcomed the liberation of the capital Hanoi."
That’s a narration at the online 3D exhibition titled “Hey compatriots of the Capital!”, which showcases key moments from the struggle of Hanoi’s people and army from the late 19th century to 1954.
Tran Thi Mai Huong, Director of the National Archives Center 1, said: “We chose a 3D format to recreate the fiery struggle and the joyous atmosphere of Hanoi on Liberation Day. So, spectators can experience the spirit of that day.”
"Hey compatriots of the Capital!"—that familiar slogan became a rallying cry for unity throughout the resistance against the French in Hanoi. Even today, it continues to resonate, uniting Hanoians in the cause of the city’s development.
Rebuilding the Capital
In an article published in Nhan Dan (People’s Daily) newspaper, issue No. 236, on October 9-10, 1954, President Ho Chi Minh wrote: "The whole country looks to our Capital. The world looks to our Capital. We must all strive to maintain order and security, making our Capital peaceful, beautiful, and healthy both physically and mentally."
In response to President Ho Chi Minh's call, Hanoians worked tirelessly to rebuild and develop the capital city step by step. Alongside the people of northern Vietnam, Hanoi undertook several revolutionary tasks, restoring the economy from 1954 to 1957, implementing socialist transformation from 1958 to 1960, and deploying the first five-year development plan from 1960 to 1965, all while supporting the southern resistance for national reunification.
Since 1986, Hanoi has been at the forefront of the national renewal, initiated and led by the Communist Party of Vietnam. The city’s economy has grown steadily, cementing its leading edge.
Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen said: "Hanoi's economy has maintained steady growth. From 2021 to 2023, its growth rate exceeded the national average. In 2023, the city successfully met its key objectives, surpassing three of its planned targets.”
As the political center of the country, Hanoi houses the central agencies of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, and the Government, as well as diplomatic missions and international organizations. It is the place where Vietnam’s leadership makes strategic decisions to safeguard revolutionary achievements and advance the nation's development strategy.
Bui Hoai Son, a Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, said: "Many events, not only representing Hanoi but also associated with Vietnam and the world, reflect what we’ve achieved over the past 70 years. Hanoi has truly deserved to be the capital of Vietnam, a place where proud symbols and values are celebrated. Hanoi has made great efforts to assert its strength as the heart of the nation."
25 years ago, in 1999, Hanoi was the only city in the Asia-Pacific region to be awarded the title "City for Peace" by UNESCO.
Five years ago, in 2019, UNESCO recognized Hanoi as the first capital in Southeast Asia to join the global "Creative Cities" network—cementing Hanoi’s new brand. Many world leaders have enjoyed the unique atmosphere of Hanoi, confidently walking safely through its streets during their official visits. Hanoi has also played host to peace dialogues, including the 2019 US-North Korea summit. Some Hanoi citizens had this to say:
"Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has made significant progress in economy and external relations. It has become a meeting place for global friends. The city’s signature culture creates special experiences for anyone who visits."
"I want my friends to know about the most beautiful aspects of Hanoi—its streets, cuisine, landscapes, and historical sites. When I hear the word 'Hanoi,' my heart skips a beat. On my TikTok page, I focus on showcasing the beauty of Hanoi so that international friends can learn more about Vietnam’s capital."
70 years ago, in response to President Ho Chi Minh’s call, the army and people of Hanoi united to liberate the capital. Today, the authorities and residents of Hanoi continue that legacy, working together to maintain the city’s role as the economic, political, and cultural heart of the nation. This also fulfills President Ho Chi Minh’s wish from 70 years ago: "I wish all the people of Hanoi to unite and strive for victory."
Hanoi rising
70 years after liberation, Hanoi has taken on a new look in all fields, becoming Vietnam’s primary political, cultural, and educational center. In the new period, Hanoi has identified its strategic vision as a leader of the Red River Delta and the whole nation and is determined to successfully implement the Resolutions of the Party and Politburo on “orientations and tasks for the development of Hanoi by 2030, with a vision to 2045.”
Based on its potentials and strengths, the Party and the State have issued multiple policies for Hanoi to make breakthroughs. In May 2022, the Politburo promulgated the Resolution on orientations and tasks for the development of Hanoi by 2030, with a vision to 2045. In May this year, the Politburo issued a conclusion on planning for Hanoi until 2030 with a vision to 2050 and a project to amend the master plan of Hanoi until 2045 with a vision to 2065. In June this year, the 15th National Assembly passed the revised Law on the Capital with many specific provisions for Hanoi’s development.
General Secretary and President To Lam, upon assuming the highest position of the Party in August, chose Hanoi as the first locality to work with, where he set these orientations.
“Hanoi must develop rapidly and sustainably, harmoniously combine economy and culture, protect the environment, and ensure people’s security, safety, and happiness in line with the five pillars of Hanoi’s development as culture and people; three transformations: green transformation, digital transformation, circular economy; comprehensive, modern, and highly connected infrastructure; digital society, digital economy, and smart city; and science, technology, and innovation,” said the top leader.
In the immediate future, Hanoi’s administration will focus on fine-tuning the mechanisms and policies for its development, on further implementing breakthrough solutions for Hanoi’s socio-economic development, on arranging the implementation of the Hanoi planning, and adjusting the overall capital city master plan.
In addition, Hanoi is promoting the development of urban technical infrastructure and digital infrastructure toward a smart city and completing key transport infrastructure projects such as the urban railway system, belt roads, and bridges, said Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong.
“Hanoi is building a system of policies and institutions focused on factors that can attract resources to supplement state budget resources, and studying policies on building transport infrastructure to connect major sports centers, organize cultural events, and support international exhibitions. I hope these policies will create a huge boost for the capital’s development,” Phong said.
The achievements Hanoi has made since its liberation 70 years ago have epitomized the rise of the Vietnamese nation and people. Now the authorities and people of the capital continue to be of one mind, ready to enter the new era envisioned last month at the 10th plenum of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.