Nguyen Hue Walking Street is currently showcasing nearly 100 striking models, including tanks, a mythical guardian deity statue, and recreations of the historic Bach Dang wooden stakes, aiming to recreate and honor Vietnam’s legendary military victories.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a recreation of the Bach Dang battlefield with eucalyptus wood stakes measuring 5.6 to 9 meters high, sourced from the headwaters of the Bach Dang River. A life-sized model of the M24 Chaffee tank, weighing approximately 3 tons, is suspended upside-down atop the stakes. This type of tank was supplied by the U.S. to France in 1953 and one is currently displayed in the Muong Thanh field in Dien Bien.

The visually arresting image of an inverted tank serves as a powerful visual metaphor, evoking the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory. The tank positioned atop the stakes symbolizes the inherited strength passed down through generations.

The stakes are inscribed with Han-Nom characters from "The exhortation to the military officers," a historic call to arms by Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300). The phrase "Sát Thát" (Kill the Mongols) is engraved at the top of each stake, symbolizing ancestral vigilance and the enduring patriotism of the Vietnamese people.

Mai Linh, who traveled from Binh Duong to visit historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed how the imagery evoked a sense of pride and patriotism. “We brought checkered scarves, bucket hats, and national flags to take commemorative photos at sites associated with Liberation Day,” she shared.

Many families have brought children to the exhibition to learn about the historical models depicting Vietnam’s resistance against foreign invaders.

One of the standout pieces is “The Guardian,” depicting a mythical figure stretching out to shield the people of Vietnam. The artist used a combination of wood blocks, ancient patterns, and ceramic vases to reflect the depth of Vietnamese culture and the connection between past, present, and future.

Visitors often bring red flags with yellow stars or wear shirts bearing the national flag when coming to view the display.

Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, a resident of District 2, commented, “Some of the pieces are quite abstract, but after reading the captions, I found them very interesting. In previous years, I usually traveled during the holidays, but this year I decided to stay in the city to embrace the patriotic spirit.”

In addition to the models, a lacquer painting of “The exhortation to the military officers” measuring 3.8 meters in height and 9.5 meters in length, composed of 18 smaller panels, has also become a popular photo spot.

The Bang