Symbol of the spirit of the Lang Son people
In February, when the monsoons are still blowing strongly through the northern limestone mountains, where the border of the Fatherland is at the beginning, there is a place that always reminds us of the tragic days of history - Dong Dang Fortress.
Dong Dang historical evidence is located in a border town with 3.916km of border adjacent to Bang Tuong ( Guangxi Province, China); there is Dong Dang International Station and Huu Nghi International Border Gate. With a natural area of over 459 hectares, divided into 7 neighborhoods, Dong Dang town holds a strategic position in terms of politics, economy, national defense and security of Lang Son province and the whole country.
According to historical documents recorded in the history of the Dong Dang Town Party Committee, this place is one of the opening locations of the Northern Border War on February 17, 1979.
The war has caused severe damage to Dong Dang town in particular and the northern border area of our country in general. Currently, at Dong Dang fortress, at the 339 elevation, Day Thep area, Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, there are still clear historical records of the struggle to protect the northern border.
Pointing to the remnants of the fortress covered in moss, Mr. Luong Van Bo, the caretaker of the relic, shared: Dong Dang Fortress, built by the French colonialists in 1940, is a solid military structure with 3 floors, the highest floor is an observation post, the middle floor has combat rooms with clay holes, the lower floor contains military equipment, ammunition and food. In the fight to protect the northern border in 1979, the fortress once again became a symbol of resilience.
This spring, the Dong Dang Fortress Historical Site was ranked as a national monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The journey of revival and development
Currently, Dong Dang is transforming, looking towards the future with strong progress in infrastructure development, economy and tourism. From the fortress looking down, the whole town is like a charming landscape painting, with bustling neighborhoods, high-rise houses interspersed with peach and plum gardens blooming.
Markets and shopping malls are open day and night, creating a bustling and bustling atmosphere, attracting tourists from near and far...
Important transportation projects such as Huu Nghi - Chi Lang border gate expressway, the project to expand the specialized freight route and renovate Dong Dang Station are gradually coming into operation, promising to be a stepping stone for Dong Dang to break through.
With its location as a trading gateway, Dong Dang is taking advantage of opportunities to attract businesses and invest in the fields of trade and logistics. The trade - service sector is accounting for about 90% of the economic structure, marking a strong shift in the development direction.
The leader of Dong Dang Town People's Committee said that there are 3 important key projects passing through the area, including the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang Border Gate Expressway Project, expected to open the route in 2025; the project to expand the specialized freight transport route at 1119-1120 Huu Nghi international border gate and the project to renovate Dong Dang International Railway Station.
These projects, when completed and put into operation, will open up development opportunities and make breakthroughs for localities, especially in trade of goods, service development, and trade.
Along with that, Dong Dang town also has the potential to develop border tourism, visit border gates; spiritual tourism, historical cultural tourism with Dong Dang Mother Temple, Dong Dang Fortress... famous all over the country and included in the journey and destination of Lang Son Geopark tourism route...
In 2024, it is estimated that there will be more than 70,000 domestic and international visitors coming to tourism and sightseeing in Dong Dang. The average income per capita here is about 50 - 55 million VND/person/year.
