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Xuong Giang Citadel is a historical relic associated with the Lam Son Uprising - a campaign expelling the Ming army (China) from Dai Viet (Vietnam). Though little remains of the ancient citadel, a memorial site commemorates this victory. Vietnamese Government has recognized Xuong Giang as a Special National Relic.
Xuong Giang Relic Complex was built on a grand scale on the remains of the ancient citadel
The memorial site is built upon the ancient citadel and covers an area of 10 hectares. Xuong Giang has long been a spiritual and historical destination for countless tourists. Join Asia King Travel to explore this ancient citadel.
The Ming army defeated the Ho Dynasty in 1407, establishing complete control over Vietnam. They built fortresses at strategic locations to secure supply lines to the border, including Xuong Giang Citadel. 27 hectares fortress was built on high ground near the Thuong River.
The painting depicts Lam Son army attacking Xuong Giang Citadel
This fortress is a key point on the Ming supply route to Dong Quan (Hanoi). It took Lam Son insurgents the longest time to conquer. The siege of Xuong Giang Citadel and the defeat of Ming reinforcements at this site in late 1427 forced the Ming to surrender. Dai Viet had completely driven the Ming invaders from the country.
After Dai Viet regained independence, the headquarters of Bac Giang Prefecture remained at Xuong Giang Citadel. Therefore, the citadel is in Bac Giang City Center, Bac Giang Province. The distance from Hanoi to Bac Giang is just over 60 kilometers, making it a convenient day trip.
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From Hanoi, drive across Thanh Tri Bridge onto National Highway 1A. Follow the highway towards Hanoi - Lang Son for about an hour to reach Bac Giang City. Turn left onto Hoang Van Thai Street at the intersection with National Highway 31. Continue along this road and then turn left onto Xuong Giang Street to arrive.
Xuong Giang Citadel stands alongside modern buildings in the city
If you're traveling from afar, you must fly into Noi Bai International Airport and then travel to Bac Giang by road. The route from the airport to the city is slightly shorter than usual. Simply follow Provincial Road 131 and then turn onto Provincial Road 295B to reach your destination.
Every year on the 6th and 7th day of the first lunar month, thousands flock to Xuong Giang Citadel to participate in the Xuong Giang Festival. The festival has many special rituals and games to commemorate the historic victory of the Lam Son insurgents at this very site.
A lot people attend Xuong Giang Citadel Festival every year. Source: Bac Giang City Web Portal
On the eve of the opening ceremony, local youths light bonfires, torches, and arrange processions in preparation. Early morning of the 6th, people wearing colorful clothes headed towards the center. Everyone participating feels excited and eager. This is one of the biggest and most meaningful festivals of the year in Bac Giang.
Xuong Giang Relic Complex was built over 5 years on a 10-hectare site. Xuong Giang Temple is at the heart of the complex. All the structures from the outside are symmetrically arranged along a central axis and surrounded by a green landscape. The greenery system is also given special attention. Besides creating shade, it also brings peace to visitors’ souls.
A part of the ancient citadel remains to this day
In front of the temple stands the Tam Quan Gate with three main entrances. Beyond the gate lies a square stone-paved large courtyard. Here, spiritual energy converges. The architectural structures harmonize the landscape, further enhancing the complex's majestic beauty.
Xuong Giang Temple also preserves invaluable artifacts from Lam Kinh Complex, the homeland of Emperor Le Loi. These include a 15th-century brick from Lam Kinh Palace, now placed within the main temple building.
Soil from Lam Kinh Palace is spread beneath the temple's foundation. Water from Jade Well is poured into two dragon-eye wells at Xuong Giang Temple. This symbolizes the approval of Emperor Le Loi for the people of Bac Giang province to worship him.
The altar to Emperor Le Thai To (Le Loi) in Xuong Giang Temple. Source: VOV
Xuong Giang Temple has three main worship chambers. Emperor Le Loi's statue is enshrined. Along with memorial tablets of strategist Nguyen Trai and 16 generals participated in the Chi Lang - Xuong Giang battle. On both sides are altars dedicated to the Lam Son insurgents who bravely sacrificed their lives to achieve victory.
Heading south along the Thuong River, you can visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. The pagoda is the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen sect, a unique branch of Vietnamese Buddhism. The pagoda also houses 3,000 invaluable woodblocks.
Traveling a distance roughly equivalent to that from Hanoi to Bac Giang, one reaches Chi Lang Pass. Chi Lang Pass is also associated with the resounding Chi Lang - Xuong Giang victory of the Lam Son army. Moreover, Vietnam has defeated countless invading forces at this very pass. Today, you can visit relics scattered around Chi Lang.
Not only the Ming army, but many invaders have been defeated at Chi Lang Pass
On the way to Chi Lang Pass, make a stop at Khuon Than Lake. The lake is 240 hectares large, surrounded by endless forests and lychee hills. Khuon Than Lake has a scenic setting and fresh, cool air. It is an ideal place to "escape" the city's stuffiness and relax in nature.
Although historical changes have altered much, traces of the ancient Xuong Giang Citadel remain. Xuong Giang victory remains a source of pride for Bac Giang people, and they wish for more people to know about this great feat. Contact Asia King Travel to explore this historical destination.
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