Dong Da Festival celebrates a glorious triumph in Vietnam's history

The Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da Victory (1789 - 2025) held this evening demonstrates Vietnam’s unwavering spirit in defending its territorial integrity against foreign invaders. 

Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee offers incense at the festival on the evening of February 2. Photos: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Held on the evening of the 5th day of the first Lunar month [February 2], the celebrations hosted by Dong Da District, Hanoi, mark the 236th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da Victory, honoring Emperor Quang Trung–Nguyen Hue and the Tay Son army.

The Economic&Urban Newspaper/The Hanoi Times served as this year’s media sponsor. 

Chairman of Dong Da People’s Committee Le Tuan Dinh speaks at the celebrations.

In his speech, Chairman of Dong Da People’s Committee Le Tuan Dinh highlighted the 1789 triumph, where Emperor Quang Trung led the Tay Son army in a rapid and decisive attack, defeating 290,000 Qing invaders and liberating Thang Long (modern-day Hanoi).

This historic victory remains a symbol of military brilliance, patriotism, and resilience, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to independence. 

The Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da Victory is re-enacted in stunning celebrations.

The Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da Victory

The Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da Victory (1789) is one of the biggest victories against foreign invaders in Vietnamese history.

It marks Emperor Quang Trung–Nguyen Hue’s decisive defeat of the Qing invaders. The victory reaffirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty and showcased the nation’s resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering patriotism. 

The festival marks the 236th anniversary of the victory.

In 1788, the Qing Dynasty sent 290,000 troops to reassert control over Vietnam. They swiftly occupied the imperial city of Thang Long (modern-day Hanoi), believing the country had already fallen. However, Nguyen Hue, the preeminent leader of the Tay Son upspring movement, ascended the throne as Emperor Quang Trung and launched a rapid counteroffensive, vowing to expel the invaders before the Lunar New Year.

Within five days, Quang Trung’s forces launched a lightning-fast campaign, culminating in major battles at Ngoc Hoi and Dong Da. At Ngoc Hoi, his troops used giant wooden shields covered in wet straw to deflect Qing gunfire and cannons, breaking through enemy lines. Meanwhile, at Dong Da, a surprise ambush annihilated Qing forces, leading to General Cen Yidong's suicide and the retreat of the Qing army back to China.

Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue Emperor, one of the greatest heroes in Vietnamese history.

This victory solidified Vietnam’s independence, and Emperor Quang Trung implemented policies to strengthen national unity and economic recovery. His military genius made him one of Vietnam’s greatest heroes. The battle remains a powerful symbol of resilience and patriotism, commemorated annually at the Dong Da Mound Festival. 

Trong Dong Drum's patterns in Vietnam's traditional culture.

Highlights of the Dong Da Mound Festival 2025

Held from February 2 to 4, the festival features traditional activities such as incense offerings, a palanquin procession, martial arts performances, and calligraphy displays.

A standout event is the special artistic program “Dong Da – A Legacy of Glory, A Future of Strength”, combining live performance with 3D mapping technology to bring history to life. 

The battle is re-enacted in the well-designed celebrations.

The show, broadcast live for the first time, uses immersive storytelling, music, and dynamic visuals to honor Emperor Quang Trung’s achievements.

This fusion of history and modern technology creates a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience, drawing widespread public and tourist interest.

Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue who makes the great Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da Victory.

Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue, the emperor who wins people's hearts through his exceptional talent.

Art performance in the celebrations.