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Vietnam’s greatest national holiday is Tet – more properly, Tet Nguyen Dan, ‘Festival of the First Day’ – coinciding with the first day of the lunar New Year. During the week before Tet, Vietnamese pay off their debts, clean the tombs of their ancestors, make a report on the state of the household during the past year to the Jade Emperor, and decorate their houses with sprigs of peach blossom or kumquat trees. The three days of Tet are very much a domestic affair, with all members of the family (including the spirits of the deceased) gathered under one roof.
Vietnam’s greatest national holiday is Tet – more properly, Tet Nguyen Dan, ‘Festival of the First Day’ – coinciding with the first day of the lunar New Year. During the week before Tet, Vietnamese pay off their debts, clean the tombs of their ancestors, make a report on the state of the household during the past year to the Jade Emperor, and decorate their houses with sprigs of peach blossom or kumquat trees. The three days of Tet are very much a domestic affair, with all members of the family (including the spirits of the deceased) gathered under one roof.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Ho Hoan Kiem means ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’, a body of water that lies at the heart of Hanoi. Until the 15th century it was called Luc Thuy or ‘Green Water’. Legend has it that during the Ming occupation (1407-28), General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine turtle that lived in the waters. With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from northern Vietnam and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the turtle rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Ever since it has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem.<br/><br/> Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim <i>ta thanh thien</i>, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated <i>The Huc</i> or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Water Puppetry or Múa rối nước, literally 'puppets that dance on water' originated in the Red River Delta. The puppets are carved from water-resistant wood to represent traditional rural lifestyles and mythical creatures. Standing behind the watery stage, waist-deep in water, the hidden puppeteers skillfully manoeuvre their wooden charges to the music of a traditional orchestra.
Water Puppetry or Múa rối nước, literally 'puppets that dance on water' originated in the Red River Delta. The puppets are carved from water-resistant wood to represent traditional rural lifestyles and mythical creatures. Standing behind the watery stage, waist-deep in water, the hidden puppeteers skillfully manoeuvre their wooden charges to the music of a traditional orchestra.
East Asian calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practised and revered in the Sinosphere. This most often includes China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The East Asian calligraphic tradition originated and developed from China. There is a general standardization of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. East Asian calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related, since accomplished using similar tools and techniques.
East Asian calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practised and revered in the Sinosphere. This most often includes China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The East Asian calligraphic tradition originated and developed from China. There is a general standardization of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. East Asian calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related, since accomplished using similar tools and techniques.
East Asian calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practised and revered in the Sinosphere. This most often includes China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The East Asian calligraphic tradition originated and developed from China. There is a general standardization of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. East Asian calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related, since accomplished using similar tools and techniques.
Lý Thái Tổ (birth name Lý Công Uẩn 李公蘊) was Đại Việt Emperor and was the founder of the Lý D‎ynasty, he reigned from 1009 AD to 1028 AD.<br/><br/> In 1010, Ly Thai To returned to Dai La (present day Hanoi). According to legend, as he entered the former capital a golden dragon took off from the top of the citadel and soared into the heavens. This was taken by the emperor as an extraordinarily auspicious sign, and he forthwith renamed the city Thang Long, or ‘Ascending Dragon’.<br/><br/> Ly Thai To is regarded as the founding father of Hanoi.
Ho Hoan Kiem means ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’, a body of water that lies at the heart of Hanoi. Until the 15th century it was called Luc Thuy or ‘Green Water’. Legend has it that during the Ming occupation (1407-28), General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine turtle that lived in the waters. With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from northern Vietnam and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the turtle rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Ever since it has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem.<br/><br/> Thap Rua (Turtle Tower), a small pagoda, was built in the mid-19th century on an islet in the centre of the lake to commemorate this supernatural event, and the structure has since become an icon of Hanoi. According to the prestigious journal Vietnamese Studies, Thap Rua is ‘like the Eiffel Tower to Paris, or the Statue of Liberty to New York’.<br/><br/> Every day Radio Hanoi starts its programmes with the song: ‘Wherever we find ourselves at the four points of the compass, our hearts turn to Hanoi; the clear waters of the Lake of the Restored Sword, which mirror the reflection of Turtle Tower’. There is no access to the tiny island.
Socialist realism is a style of realistic art which was developed in the Soviet Union and became a dominant style in other communist countries. Socialist realism is a teleologically-oriented style having its purpose the furtherance of the goals of socialism and communism. Although related, it should not be confused with social realism, a type of art that realistically depicts subjects of social concern. Unlike social realism, socialist realism often glorifies the roles of the poor.
Ho Hoan Kiem means ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’, a body of water that lies at the heart of Hanoi. Until the 15th century it was called Luc Thuy or ‘Green Water’. Legend has it that during the Ming occupation (1407-28), General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine turtle that lived in the waters. With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from northern Vietnam and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the turtle rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Ever since it has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem.<br/><br/> Thap Rua (Turtle Tower), a small pagoda, was built in the mid-19th century on an islet in the centre of the lake to commemorate this supernatural event, and the structure has since become an icon of Hanoi. According to the prestigious journal Vietnamese Studies, Thap Rua is ‘like the Eiffel Tower to Paris, or the Statue of Liberty to New York’.<br/><br/> Every day Radio Hanoi starts its programmes with the song: ‘Wherever we find ourselves at the four points of the compass, our hearts turn to Hanoi; the clear waters of the Lake of the Restored Sword, which mirror the reflection of Turtle Tower’. There is no access to the tiny island.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim ta thanh thien, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated The Huc or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Socialist realism is a style of realistic art which was developed in the Soviet Union and became a dominant style in other communist countries. Socialist realism is a teleologically-oriented style having its purpose the furtherance of the goals of socialism and communism. Although related, it should not be confused with social realism, a type of art that realistically depicts subjects of social concern. Unlike social realism, socialist realism often glorifies the roles of the poor.
Ho Hoan Kiem means ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’, a body of water that lies at the heart of Hanoi. Until the 15th century it was called Luc Thuy or ‘Green Water’. Legend has it that during the Ming occupation (1407-28), General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine turtle that lived in the waters. With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from northern Vietnam and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the turtle rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Ever since it has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem.<br/><br/> Thap Rua (Turtle Tower), a small pagoda, was built in the mid-19th century on an islet in the centre of the lake to commemorate this supernatural event, and the structure has since become an icon of Hanoi. According to the prestigious journal Vietnamese Studies, Thap Rua is ‘like the Eiffel Tower to Paris, or the Statue of Liberty to New York’.<br/><br/> Every day Radio Hanoi starts its programmes with the song: ‘Wherever we find ourselves at the four points of the compass, our hearts turn to Hanoi; the clear waters of the Lake of the Restored Sword, which mirror the reflection of Turtle Tower’. There is no access to the tiny island.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim ta thanh thien, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated The Huc or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/> A stylised stone ink slab rests atop the arched gate at the entrance; nearby a tapering stone pillar representing a traditional Chinese brush pen rises through five levels. On its side, three Chinese ideograms proclaim ta thanh thien, or ‘writing on a clear sky’. Beyond the entrance, a red-painted, gracefully arched wooden bridge leads across the still green waters to a small island in the north of the lake. This is the celebrated The Huc or ‘Rising Sun’ Bridge, where groups of Vietnamese children often huddle hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the lake’s legendary turtles.
Den Ngoc Son, or ‘Jade Mountain Temple’ is one of the most revered religious complexes in the capital. Established by the scholarly mandarin Nguyen Van Sieu (1799–1872) appropriate symbols of learning and literature mark the temple complex.<br/><br/>Ho Hoan Kiem means ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’, a body of water that lies at the heart of Hanoi. Until the 15th century it was called Luc Thuy or ‘Green Water’. Legend has it that during the Ming occupation (1407-28), General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine turtle that lived in the waters. With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from northern Vietnam and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the turtle rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Ever since it has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem.<br/><br/>東法會, Dōng fǎ huì - French Indochina (French: Indochine française; Vietnamese: Đông Dương thuộc Pháp, frequently abbreviated to Đông Pháp) was part of the French colonial empire in southeast Asia. A federation of the three Vietnamese regions, Tonkin (North), Annam (Central), and Cochinchina (South), as well as Cambodia, was formed in 1887. Laos was added in 1893 and Kouang-Tchéou-Wan in 1900.<br/><br/>The capital was moved from Saigon (in Cochinchina) to Hanoi (Tonkin) in 1902. During World War II, the colony was administered by Vichy France and was under Japanese occupation. Beginning in May 1941, the Viet Minh, a communist army led by Ho Chi Minh, began a revolt against French rule known as the First Indochina War. In 1954, after its defeat at Dien Bien Phu, France withdrew permanently from all parts of Indochina.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning 'Lake of the Returned Sword', also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake) is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.<br/><br/> According to legend, emperor Lê Lợi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as Luc Thuy meaning 'Green Water'). The Turtle Tower (Thap Rùa) standing on a small island near the centre of lake is linked to the legend.