The annual Dong Da Hill Festival, organised by local authorities of Dong Da ward, Hanoi, honours the historic triumph led by national hero Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue, whose forces defeated Qing invaders in the spring of 1789.

In the spring of 1789 (Year of the Rooster), under the brilliant leadership of Emperor Quang Trung, the Tay Son army launched a rapid and decisive campaign, defeating an invading force of 290,000 Qing troops.

At dawn on the 5th day of the first lunar month, on what is now Dong Da Hill in Hanoi, Tay Son troops, supported by local residents, overwhelmingly defeated the enemy garrison and liberated the imperial capital of Thang Long (present-day Hanoi).

The Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da Victory has since become one of the most celebrated milestones in Vietnamese history, symbolising national unity, military ingenuity, and an enduring aspiration for independence and freedom.

Each year, on the 5th day of the first lunar month, the Dong Da Hill Festival is held to pay tribute to Emperor Quang Trung, his generals, Tay Son soldiers, and the people who bravely defended the nation.

The 2026 festival opened with ceremonial flower offerings, the reading of commemorative orations, and incense rituals at the statue of Emperor Quang Trung.

A highlight of this year’s celebration was the epic art performance titled “The Historical Saga Marking the 237th Anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da Victory.” The programme vividly reenacted key historical moments, with Nguyen Hue proclaiming himself Emperor Quang Trung, leading the lightning march northward, defeating Qing forces, and celebrating the Lunar New Year victory with the people of Thang Long.

In his commemorative address, Trinh Huu Tuan, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Da Ward Party Committee and Chairman of the Ward People’s Committee, emphasised that the festival serves as a moment of remembrance and national pride:

“Today’s festival is an occasion for every citizen to honour the immense contributions of Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue and the Tay Son army,” he said. “It rekindles pride in a historic victory that stands as an immortal spring epic of Vietnam’s will for independence and aspiration for freedom.”

After 237 years, the resonance of the historic victory continues to inspire Vietnam’s development journey. Local leaders highlighted that the spirit of “lightning speed” demonstrated in 1789 today represents not only military swiftness, but also the urgency of reform, innovation, digital transformation, and science-driven growth.

In the context of Hanoi’s long-term development vision, local authorities reaffirmed their commitment to unity, creativity, and effective resource mobilization, contributing to the capital city’s sustainable growth and its advancement in a new era of global integration.

Beyond solemn rituals, the festival also featured a range of traditional cultural and sporting activities, including incense-offering processions by local delegations and visitors; mass traditional exercise performances; Chinese chess and human chess competitions; and folk games and traditional artistic performances.

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