Forever echoing Chi Lang’s spirit

Chi Lang is a land rich in traditions associated with glorious feats in the building and defense of the country. Through historical periods, Chi Lang’s spirit has always resonated and is the pride of the people of Chi Lang district in particular and of Lang Son in general.

According to historical documents, during the feudal period, this land marked many victories of the ancestors with 2 times against the Song army (in 981 and 1077), 2 times against the invading of Yuan – Mongols (in 1285 and 1287)… Especially, in the victory of Chi Lang in 1427, our army and people made a resounding victory, destroying the reinforcement army of more than 100,000 Ming troops led by Liu Sheng.

Tour guide of Chi Lang Victory Gallery introduced Chi LangPass to the younger generation. Photo: Hoang Huan.

The historical record records that, in early 1427, the Ming Dynasty sent two armies to save the besieged situation in the citadel, in which, the army led by Liu Sheng went down from Guangxi; The army led by Mu Sheng followed the Yunnan road. In order to be able to destroy these two armies, Le Loi established the policy of “circling the city to destroy the army”, strengthening the siege of Dong Quan citadel, destroying the cities along both sides of the enemy’s path. On October 8, 1427, Liu Sheng’s army gradually advanced to Pha Luy gate, General Tran Luu fought and retreated to Khau On. The enemy continued to advance, Tran Luu continued to retreat to Luu Pass (Chi Lang, Lang Son). On October 10, 1427, Liu Sheng led an army to rush forward to open the way to enter Chi Lang, General Tran Luu brought his troops to fight and then continued to pretend to be defeated, Liu Sheng pursued and entered the ambush field of our army in the South of Chi Lang Pass. Here, Liu Sheng was killed by a spear on the side of Ma Yen mountain.

The battle to destroy the reinforcement army of Liu Sheng  of Lam Son insurgent army led by Le Loi nearly 6 centuries ago has left many relics and vestiges in the land of Chi Lang, which are still visible to this day. For example, the ancient citadel of Chi Lang; the Devil Gate  “Ten people go, nine die, one person return); Ma Yen mountain; Le To Sword Stone – Liu Sheng Stone… Along with that, Ma Yen swamp is said to be the place to destroy the cavalry led by Liu Sheng. A series of places such as Bai Hao, corn fields… used to be a place to ambush and intercept the Ming army; Don village, Thanh Kho, military duel (where the number of soldiers is checked), Ba Dan, Chung village… were the bases of Lam Son insurgent army and the base of the battles. Chi Lang victory is a majestic song about patriotism, independent will, strength of national unity, spirit of determination to win and military art of our ancestors. These relics were ranked at the national level in 1962, including 52 relic sites, mostly in Chi Lang commune and Dong Mo town. In which, 24 relic sites were recognized as special national monuments by the Prime Minister (in 2019). At present, the Provincial People’s Committee has issued Decision No. 855/QD-UBND approving the project of preserving, embellishing and promoting the value of the system of historical – cultural relics and scenic spots in Lang Son province for the 2021 – 2030 period. In which, specific solutions, roadmaps and funding sources are proposed; assigned the People’s Committee of Chi Lang district as the focal point.

Visitors visited and learned at Chi Lang Victory Gallery

Mr. Vi Quang Trung, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Chi Lang district said: We have issued a plan to concretize the conservation, embellishment and promotion of the historical value of Chi Lang from now to 2025, with an orientation to 2030. In addition, we have organized many traditional propaganda and education activities about relics in many forms such as cooperated with Vietnam Television Stations to produce 10 programs introducing Chi Lang historical relic; broadcast 30 news and articles on the grassroots radio system with about 50,000 listeners and viewers.

At the same time, the People’s Committee of Chi Lang district has coordinated with relevant agencies to organize a scientific conference “Chi Lang historical relic site, historical value, conservation and promotion” to clarify the value of the relics. In addition, the District People’s Committee always focuses on traditional education for the young generation and develops source tours associated with promoting the image of historical relics. Currently, Chi Lang Victory Gallery keeps more than 500 photos, documents and artifacts. Every year, many agencies, units, and schools cooperate with the exhibitors to organize history learning activities here. In the first 9 months of 2022, the exhibitor welcomed nearly 4,000 visitors.

Mr. Phan Van Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: In order to protect and promote the value of the relic site, in order to gradually build the relic site worthy of being a special national relic site, In the coming time, the sector will continue to strengthen propaganda about the value and meaning of the relic site. At the same time, do well advising the Provincial People’s Committee to carry out the task of planning, preserving, repairing, restoring and promoting the value of the special national relic Chi Lang according to Decision No. 1539/QD-Tgg of the Prime Minister issued on September 16, 2021.

Associated with the nation’s history, the land of Chi Lang with glorious feats and important historical values has contributed to creating Chi Lang’s spirit for posterity to be proud of. Believing that, with the efforts of all levels, sectors and the consensus of the People, Chi Lang’s “epic” will still resonate in the future.