Resembling a "bright gem" in the night, the Presidential Palace in Hanoi has been adorned with a new lighting system, unveiled just in time for the 79th anniversary of National Day on September 2nd. This illumination marks a significant enhancement to the city’s landscape, particularly in the historic Ba Dinh district.

As night falls over Hanoi, the city’s historic sites and buildings come alive, bathed in vibrant lights that create a breathtaking panorama. Among these, the Presidential Palace stands out on Hung Vuong Street, capturing the attention of both residents and visitors with its radiant new look.

From afar, the Presidential Palace appears as a "shining gem," enhancing the nighttime scenery of the Ba Dinh political zone. Each evening, hundreds of locals and tourists gather to admire this historic building, which has been rejuvenated by the recent lighting upgrade.

In honor of the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day, and the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation, the Office of the President commissioned the installation of the new lighting system. After 36 hours of work, the system was officially operational on August 26th.

Designed to complement the building’s French architectural style, the lighting employs warm spotlights that preserve the palace’s original color while highlighting its intricate patterns, motifs, and overall design. This artistic lighting allows even those at a distance to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship of the building.

At night, the national emblem and the architectural motifs of the Presidential Palace are vividly highlighted, bringing the building’s grandeur to life.

The new lighting system also enhances the surrounding landscape, with white lights illuminating the greenery within the palace grounds, providing a soft backdrop for the main building. The system operates from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM each night and is reserved for special national events.

Since its installation, the new lighting has been well-received by high-ranking officials, staff of the President's Office, and citizens, who feel that the Presidential Palace has “donned a new cloak of light” that is both dignified and subtly welcoming.

The Presidential Palace, a key site for the President and Vice President, remains central to significant domestic and international activities of the Party and State. Alongside landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the National Assembly Building, it has become an indispensable attraction for residents, soldiers, and international tourists visiting the capital.

Reflecting on history, the significance of the Presidential Palace is profound. On October 10, 1954, as Hanoi was liberated, President Ho Chi Minh, along with the government and Central Party, returned from the Viet Bac military zone to the capital. According to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Site, President Ho Chi Minh once remarked: “Previously, this was the Governor-General's Palace, but it was built by the hands of Vietnamese workers. Now that the people are free and the country is independent, the right to own this building belongs to the people.”

The building was thus proposed as the workplace and reception area for the Government and State of Vietnam, and since then, it has been known as the Presidential Palace.

Today, the Presidential Palace is recognized as a monument of special national importance, serving as the official workplace for the President and Vice President, and hosting significant internal and external affairs of the Party and State.

Tran Thuong - Hoang Ha - Pham Hai