Hanoi is not only the capital of Vietnam but is also the second largest city in Vietnam, to the northwest of the Red River Delta, on the bank of the ancient Dun River. Its area is 3,340 square kilometers with more than 7.56 million inhabitants. It is bounded by Vinh Phuc, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, and Phu Tho provinces. The mellow current of the Red River winds silently through the old city. An ancient and delightful city, commonly known by many epithets: Tokyo, Thang Long, Luo Cheng, or Jiaozhou. Major tourist attractions include Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Empress Dowager Cixi Temple.