Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Vietnam, built in the 7th century AD, is the prototype of Hanoi

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is known as the "Vietnamese Imperial Palace". Its history can be traced back to the 7th century AD, when northern Vietnam was still part of China's territory. At that time, a fortress was built in the Red River Delta in Hanoi, which was the prototype of Hanoi's city. In the 11th century AD, the Vietnamese independent dynasty Ly Dynasty was established and its capital was Thang Long, which is now the Hanoi area. The Imperial Citadel was also built during that period. Later, it went through the Ly Dynasty, the Le Dynasty, and the Nguyen Dynasty for nearly a thousand years. The currently preserved Imperial Citadel area is roughly the same as the historical Imperial Citadel area, but not many ground buildings are preserved, only the Duanmen Gate and the Jingtian Temple foundation remain.

In 2010, Thang Long Imperial Citadel was successfully applied for World Heritage as a historical and cultural site in Hanoi. After excavations in recent years, many cultural relics and historical sites have been unearthed in the Imperial Citadel area. During the Anti-French War and the Vietnam War, the Imperial Citadel was used as a review ground and command post for the Vietnamese government. The underground command post during the Vietnam War is preserved in the Imperial Citadel. Thang Long Imperial Citadel is close to Ba Dinh Square, and also runs north-south, behind the National Assembly Building. Tickets cost 30,000 VND and can be purchased at the ticket office at the main entrance of the South Gate and the ticket office opposite the West Gate. You can enter by scanning the QR code with your ticket.

The Imperial City covers an area of ​​more than 20,000 square meters, which is roughly the same as Ba Dinh Square and is long from north to south. The more interesting things in the Imperial City are Duanmen and Jingtian Hall. Visitors can climb up the steps on the east side of Duanmen to overlook the Imperial City. In front of Duanmen is Ba Dinh Tower, which flies the Vietnamese flag. The symbol of the Imperial City is the double dragon. During the Spring Festival, a double dragon celebration ceremony stands in the square in front of Duanmen, and many people take photos here.