Born and raised in Hanoi , and possessing a special love for the city, a group of 13-14 year old students, under the guidance of Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh – a person with deep knowledge and attachment to Hanoi – dedicated the entire summer of 2025 to the book project "Footprints of History".
The children spent their summer days in the sun, wind, and rain exploring revolutionary and resistance war relics, realizing that every street corner, every road, every house, and every temple in Hanoi holds its own historical story. After many trips and working together, the group completed a 100-page color book, published by The World Publishing House.
The book presents a clear and detailed overview of over 100 revolutionary relics and typical scenic spots in Hanoi, distributed geographically from the city center to the east, west, south, and north. In particular, the book emphasizes two glorious historical periods: the nationwide resistance war of 1946 and the Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu air battle of 1972.
Each historical site in the book is presented from multiple perspectives: events associated with the site, its current state, little-known secrets, nearby locations, and how to visit them.
Besides familiar destinations such as Hoa Lo Prison, Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, etc., the book also introduces readers to many historically significant places such as: House No. 48 Hang Ngang - where President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence; Dong Xuan Market - the site of fierce battles during the 60 days and nights of defending the capital; the City Party Committee's bunker at No. 62 Tran Quoc Toan; the Kham Thien Memorial; Lang Fortress - where the order for nationwide resistance was issued; or Huu Tiep Lake - where the wreckage of a B52 from the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the air is preserved...
To complete this massive workload in just 10 weeks, the young team of authors diligently researched materials, conducted field surveys, wrote articles, and took photographs… At times, it seemed as though the project would be halted, but with the efforts of each member, the encouragement of Ms. Thanh Binh, and the support of parents, the book was released on time, as a gift of gratitude to Hanoi, a city with a thousand years of cultural heritage.
As the project's supervisor, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh expressed: "Regardless of the weather, the group of 13 and 14-year-old students traveled throughout Hanoi's streets to find revolutionary relics. During their journey, they had the opportunity to observe each wall, each artifact, and meet each witness... to experience a Hanoi of the nationwide resistance, a Hanoi that stood strong during the 12 days and nights of intense fighting... These discoveries were not just experiences but were recorded by the students through written pages and photographs, with very specific route guides. Holding the book in their hands, readers not only gain knowledge but, following the directions, each page will lead them to historical sites, allowing them to see and feel firsthand a not-so-distant past – 'a time of bombs and bullets, a time of peace' – of beloved Hanoi."
"Footprints of History" is the result of a summer of passionate exploration, and also a tribute and expression of pride from the younger generation to heroic Hanoi. It's a gift for grandparents, parents, and all those who love the capital city and wish to learn more about every street corner and every historical story.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/kham-pha-ha-noi-qua-cuon-sach-nhung-dau-chan-lich-su-715385.html
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