The official launch of the experiential tour “Flag Tower Memories” has taken at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Cultural Heritage Site, the Thang Long–Ha Noi Heritage Conservation Centre, in coordination with the Ha Noi Tourism Corporation (Hanoitourist), marking the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the National Resistance Day (December 19, 1946 – December 19, 2025).
Among the structures within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Cultural Heritage Site, the Flag Tower — although built later, in the early 19th century — has become one of the symbols of Ha Noi. The structure consists of three base tiers and the tower shaft, and it has witnessed more than two centuries of close association with the people of Ha Noi.
In particular, on the day of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954), the flag-raising ceremony took place here to mark the moment when the capital fully returned to the hands of the revolutionary government.
Since then, for more than 70 years, the red flag with a yellow star has continuously flown atop the Flag Tower.
Delegates at the tour’s opening ceremony.
Exactly one year ago, the Thang Long–Ha Noi Heritage Conservation Centre took over the management of the Ha Noi Flag Tower. Immediately afterwards, the centre coordinated with research agencies to seek measures for conservation and value enhancement.
To date, the experiential tour “Flag Tower Memories” has been officially implemented. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long–Ha Noi Heritage Conservation Centre, said: “The launch of the experiential tour ‘Flag Tower Memories’ is not only the introduction of a new cultural tourism product, but also an opportunity to look back on historical values and the spirit of patriotism nurtured through many generations. We hope that every visitor, especially young people, after experiencing the tour, will more deeply feel the value of the heritage, further cherish the past and cultivate national pride.”
The “Flag Tower Memories” Ha Noi product is designed as an emotionally engaging journey with a series of interconnected activities.
The itinerary includes visiting the Ha Noi Flag Tower along a thematic route, exploring the architectural levels (levels 1, 2 and 3), and taking photographs at highlighted points along the route. In addition, visitors can explore the exhibition space “Ha Noi Flag Tower and the Aspiration for Peace”, helping the public better understand the historical and cultural values and symbolic significance of the structure.
The highlight of the tour is the artistic performance show themed “Sketching the Essence of Ha Noi”, which recreates the heroic history of Ha Noi, from the National Resistance Day to the moment when the Liberation Army marched in to take over the capital on October 10, 1954.
The story of an elegant yet courageous Ha Noi is introduced to the public through the image of a young painter seeking and bringing the beautiful features of Ha Noi into his paintings. In that process, the cultural traits of Ha Noi are “told” to the audience.
However, the National Resistance interrupted that journey, as young men and women of Ha Noi had to take up arms and fight during the 60 days and nights of fierce struggle. The image of the young people who were “determined to die so that the Fatherland might live” is recreated on stage.
The performance concludes with the victorious return of the troops on the Liberation Day of the Capital, October 10, 1954. The final part of the experiential route features a tea reception and souvenir photo-taking activities at instant photo-printing technology kiosks.
The launch of the “Flag Tower Memories” product is a concrete step in the strategy to promote the values of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel–Ha Noi Heritage Site, linking conservation with sustainable tourism development, and gradually turning the heritage into a living cultural space in contemporary life.
