The pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi have been transformed with vibrant cultural performances, interactive exhibitions, and stunning displays, captivating both locals and tourists.

These activities are part of the 80 Years of Culture and Arts in the People’s Army exhibition, hosted on Dinh Tien Hoang Street. The event celebrates the rich cultural contributions of Vietnam’s “soldier-artists” and runs from the evening of December 20 to December 22.

A blend of history and artistry

The exhibition showcases a vivid tableau of Vietnam’s military history through photographs, propaganda posters, and live performances. Notable highlights include reenactments by military art troupes, collective dance routines by soldiers, and military band performances.

Interactive elements, such as the recreated A-shaped trench, offer visitors a glimpse into the ingenuity of Vietnamese forces during the war against the United States. These trenches, constructed from wood and bamboo, were pivotal in shielding soldiers from aerial attacks.

Other historical reconstructions include:

The Long Bien Bridge and Soviet-supplied SAM missiles, which were instrumental in shooting down U.S. B-52 bombers during the 12-day battle to defend Hanoi in December 1972.

A life-sized model of the Spratly Islands sovereignty marker, drawing significant attention from visitors.

Symbolic elements from the Dien Bien Phu victory, including cannons and supply bicycles that transported up to 300 kilograms of supplies during the decisive 1954 campaign.

Interactive experiences for all ages

The event also features hands-on activities, such as clay sculpting workshops where children can create soldier figurines under the guidance of organizers.

Visitors have the chance to meet and interact with soldiers and cadets dressed as historical figures, including:

Le Van Tu, a military guard who posed with models of bayonets and firearms for photos with attendees.

Cadets from the Military University of Culture and Arts, who embodied the spirit of Dien Bien soldiers while engaging with guests.

The exhibition has become a vibrant celebration of Vietnam’s military history, art, and cultural identity, drawing visitors from near and far.

The 80th Anniversary Exhibition of Culture and Arts in the Vietnam People’s Army is taking place on Dinh Tien Hoang Walking Street, Hanoi, featuring vibrant and captivating activities that attract visitors strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake.

The exhibition is being held for the first time to vividly recreate the image of the "soldier-artists" of the Vietnam People’s Army on the ideological and cultural front of the Party.

Many beautiful and emotional moments from the unique cultural and artistic activities are taking place here from the evening of December 20 to December 22. These include photo and document displays, propaganda posters from military cultural and artistic sectors, performances by military art troupes, group dance performances by soldiers, military band concerts, interactive activities, and a program connecting with distinguished artists.

A model of the A-shaped trench has been recreated beside Hoan Kiem Lake. During the resistance war against the United States, this trench design was adapted and used extensively by the Vietnamese army and people in both the North and South to counter bombs, artillery, and bullets. It became a safe shelter during enemy raids and sweeps. The trench's load-bearing section was constructed from bamboo and wood, joined to form an A shape. Its entrances opened at both ends, with dimensions approximately 1.2 meters deep, 1.5 meters long, and 1 meter wide.

A model of the Long Bien Bridge and three Soviet SAM missiles, which were instrumental in downing three American B-52 aircraft during the 12-day battle to defend Hanoi’s skies in December 1972, is also on display.

A replica of the Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) sovereignty marker, recreated to its actual size, has drawn significant attention from visitors.

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The victory of Dien Bien Phu is once again brought to life on the walking street beside Hoan Kiem Lake, featuring cannons and cargo bicycles.

During the Dien Bien Phu campaign, cargo bicycles were the primary means of transporting weapons and supplies to the battlefield, each capable of carrying 200–300 kilograms per trip. Among the 260,000 civilian workers supporting the campaign, 33,300 worked at the front lines, operating 21,000 cargo bicycles. They transported 25,000 tons of weapons and supplies, contributing significantly to the earth-shaking victory in 1954.

A large-scale model of the De Castries bunker, reconstructed to life size, has been set up near the Pen Tower area of Hoan Kiem Lake. Soldiers from the Communications Corps have been assigned to interact with visitors here.

Students dressed as soldiers from the Military University of Culture and Arts reenact the image of Dien Bien soldiers and are ready to pose for photos with visitors.

Soldier Le Van Tu, a military service member of the Guard and Military Police Unit, holds a replica of a bangalore torpedo and rifle for photo interactions with the public during the event.

Within the framework of the 80th Anniversary Exhibition of Culture and Arts in the Vietnam People’s Army, children also have the opportunity to sculpt figurines of soldiers under the guidance of the event organizers.

On this occasion, Nguyen Sy Cuong (from the Infantry Officer School 1) and his fiancée posed for photos beside Hoan Kiem Lake. His fiancée, who traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, is performing as a Southern guerrilla fighter in cultural performances marking the 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Hoang Minh