Enjoy a glimpse of Hai Phong from Ho Chi Minh City.

On the morning of May 24th, the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition " Hai Phong - French Heritage" took place at Lam Son Park (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). The exhibition was organized by the People's Committee of Hai Phong City in collaboration with the French-Vietnamese Academy of Architecture and the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City.

With the theme "Architectural Heritage Today, Prosperity for Tomorrow," the "Hai Phong - French Heritage" photo exhibition presents 65 photo sets (570 photos) vividly reflecting the past and present of Hai Phong city. This is also a significant event commemorating the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2024) and the 11th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership (2013-2024).

Delegates participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the exhibition. Photo: QUYNH YEN

Established in 1888, Hai Phong City has a rich history spanning over a century, marked by both historical ups and downs, with many structures bearing the distinct imprint of early French architecture. From a coastal area, Hai Phong has developed into a port city with a long history and has become one of the three first-class cities in Vietnam.

Mr. Grégory Charles Robert, Deputy Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, speaks at the opening ceremony. Photo: QUYNH YEN

One of the most important highlights that shapes the face of the city is the Central Urban Area, which brings together many typical architectural works of great value in terms of architecture, culture, and art, reflecting the blending of diverse and rich cultures.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai Phong City, said that the exhibition helps the public better understand and appreciate Hai Phong, a modern, civilized city rich in cultural identity. Photo: QUYNH YEN

With over 300 villas, including more than 100 architectural works in the center of Hai Phong city that remain almost intact, preserving and promoting their practical value, these are typical works reflecting the intermingling of French and Vietnamese cultures in Hai Phong.

Delegates toured and admired photographs of Hai Phong City. Photo: QUYNH YEN

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hai Phong City, said that the "Hai Phong - French Heritage" photo exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City aims to provide more information and documents for domestic and international friends to better understand Hai Phong's urban planning through different periods; public spaces; and the conservation of typical architectural works in Hai Phong, including French architectural works in the central urban area; thereby finding optimal solutions for the sustainable preservation and development of Hai Phong city.