Book week celebrates 320th anniversary of foundation of Ho Chi Minh City

A book week was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30, to celebrate the 320th anniversary of the foundation of the city, which has been known as Saigon, Cho Lon and Gia Dinh in the past.

Visitors looking at an old photo of Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
Visitors looking at an old photo of Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Over the past three centuries, the city has undergone many ups and downs throughout history to affirm its own characteristics as a young, dynamic and modern city.

In the early days, the land now known as Ho Chi Minh City was a gathering place of local inhabitants and migrants, who conquered nature and expanded the territory.

The city was officially founded when the Nguyen Lord dispatched Nguyen Huu Canh to the area to establish the Prefecture of Gia Dinh.

At the opening ceremony of the book week, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications, Tu Luong, stated that, although HCMC is relatively young compared to the country’s history, the city boasts dynamism and energy to strive for new heights.

The book week, which runs from November 30 to December 9, is an opportunity for the city’s residents and visitors to learn about the city’s history and culture.

In addition to books on the formation and development of Ho Chi Minh City, visitors will also be treated to panoramic photos and maps of Saigon in the past.