Step Back in Time at Xuong Giang Citadel: Discover Vietnam’s Rich History

Explore the historic Xuong Giang Ancient Citadel in Bac Giang, a key site in Vietnam’s fight for independence. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Xuong Giang Ancient Citadel (Bac Giang) is a historical witness to important victories in the cause of national independence. This place has become a tourist destination attracting a large number of tourists to visit and take souvenir photos with Vietnamese-style photos.

                                                                                                        Image source: Collected

Bac Giang is an ancient land, with a historical tradition that is closely linked to the whole country during the process of building and defending the country. Xuong Giang Ancient Citadel is located in Xuong Giang ward, Bac Giang City, Bac Giang Province. Xuong Giang is the name of the ancient citadel built by the Ming army in the 15th century (1407).

Xuong Giang temple was built in 5 years on an area of ​​10 hectares, with a total investment cost of over 230 billion VND. This is a cultural work with political and historical significance imbued with humanity, a place for today's and future generations to show respect and remember the merits of our ancestors who have contributed to protecting the country.

Visiting Xuong Giang Ancient Citadel is most appropriate in spring when people are celebrating the festival. And because it is located near a residential area, it is easy for us to book rooms and motels here with reasonable prices and friendly service.

                                                                                                        Image source: Collected

One of the things that I think you will feel extremely regretful about is not visiting and admiring the architecture of Xuong Giang citadel. Xuong Giang ancient citadel is covered with soil in a rectangular shape, 600m long, and 450m wide on an area of ​​27 hectares. The city walls are high and thick, with fortresses at four corners. Outside the citadel wall, 3m - 4m high, and 16m - 20m wide is a wide moat to protect the citadel.

Other relics are scattered in residential areas in many different villages. Gieng Phu is the residence of Ming Dynasty mandarins with beautiful architecture, intricately patterned tiles, large acoustic tiles, and a large and sturdy roof. Meanwhile, the gate is the gate to the city with four high stone pillars and a wall behind it to ward off evil spirits.

                                                                                                        Image source: Collected

As a historical witness of many illustrious historical events, Xuong Giang Ancient Citadel is still chosen every year by Bac Giang province as a festival venue, usually on January 6-7. During the festival, there are many unique rituals and fun games to commemorate the historic victory of the Lam Son insurgent army at Xuong Giang Citadel that year. Before the opening day of the festival, usually on the evening of January 5, young people here organize campfires, and at communal houses, pagodas, and cultural houses will light torches all night to wait until the fifth watch to line up. party, banging gongs and dancing drums and bringing them back to the gathering place to open the festival. 

During your trip to Bac Giang, it will be a regret if you do not set foot to visit Xuong Giang citadel. This is one of the famous historical places that has witnessed the formation and changes through many ups and downs of this land. For those who love history and want to explore and learn, Xuong Giang citadel is an interesting place not to be missed.

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)