'Following the steps of time', a 'time-travel' travel guide from Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City

The newly released artbook 'Following the Steps of Time' by Kim Dong Publishing House gathers more than 50 typical architectural works for each historical stage of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City.

Turning each page of the book over time , looking at each familiar building that has passed by, readers will see the unfading beauty of history and the breath of modern life through vivid drawings, close-up slices showing master architectural talent and interesting stories associated with each building that anyone who loves Gia Dinh - Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City wants to know.

Artbook Following the Steps of Time compiled by Vo Thi Mai Chi, illustrated by Ho Quoc Cuong, published by Kim Dong Publishing House

PHOTO: DONG QUY

Constructions over a century old

That is Thong Tay Hoi communal house - the oldest communal house in the city on Thong Nhat street, Go Vap district, started in 1679 by Central migrants to the South, bearing the ancient architectural mark of the Southern communal house. The tomb of Ta Quan Le Van Duyet is nestled quietly at the corner of Vu Tung and Le Van Duyet streets, is a national architectural and artistic relic, with ancient beauty with elaborate wood carvings, stone carvings, and porcelain inlays.

The Tomb of General Le Van Duyet is a national architectural and artistic relic.

PHOTO: DONG QUY

Thu Ngu Flagpole, one of the oldest surviving historical relics, built by the French in 1865.

PHOTO: DONG QUY

Next are the mansions built during the French colonial period, the mark of a city once known as the Pearl of the Far East. The French-style architectural works have now become symbols of the city, such as the People's Council - People's Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral, post office , Ben Thanh market..., and public service works such as the Tropical Hospital, Le Quy Don School, Continental Hotel, State Bank of Vietnam...

Saigon University - the oldest university in Ho Chi Minh City

PHOTO: DONG QUY

In addition, there are also ancient religious structures, the mark of a good land that embraces immigrants from all over, such as Tue Thanh Assembly Hall, Nghia An Assembly Hall (Thien Hau Pagoda and Ong Pagoda) of the Chinese in District 5, Chandaransi Pagoda of the Khmer, Musulman Mosque of the Muslims, or Mariamman Temple of the Hindus.

Marks of a time of resistance

The milestones of history are still clearly imprinted in the works marking the resistance war against the French and then the Americans of Saigon people. That is the Independence Palace, a special national monument, which witnessed the important milestones of the country's history. There is the Cu Chi tunnels, one of the longest underground tunnels in the world , a wonder of the fighting spirit and creativity in the fight against foreign invaders of the army and people of the South.

Independence Palace, a place that witnessed an important historical milestone of the country

PHOTO: DONG QUY

Cu Chi Tunnels, a wonder of fighting spirit and creativity

PHOTO: DONG QUY

New icons

Along with the nostalgic imprints of old buildings, new and modern buildings are also brilliantly and proudly depicted in Following the Steps of Time . That is the Thu Thiem Tunnel - Saigon River Tunnel, the first river-crossing tunnel in Vietnam. That is the Ba Son Bridge, a magnificent cable-stayed bridge, a new highlight of the city center area that will be inaugurated in 2024. That is the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line, one of the 100 most wonderful destinations in the world in 2025 voted by the American Time magazine.

Thu Thiem Tunnel, the pride of Ho Chi Minh City in the 21st century

PHOTO: DONG QUY

It is impossible not to mention the metro, the first urban railway line connecting the city center with the eastern region.

PHOTO: DONG QUY

Ho Chi Minh City has a history of more than 300 years. During those years, over time, the works have been formed one by one, surviving through many changes of the times. Whether ancient, tinged with the past or majestically modern, all are clear evidence of the culture, life, and people of a city with a unique heritage, developing vibrantly every day. And Artbook Following the steps of time is the handbook that records that brilliant journey!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/theo-buoc-thoi-gian-cam-nang-du-lich-xuyen-khong-sai-gon-tphcm-185250529143855633.htm