Thousands celebrate Dong Da festival Thousands attended a festival marking the 227th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da victory, held today at the Dong Da Park in Ha Noi. — All Photo by Viet Thanh HA NOI - Hanoians and visitors participated in Ha Noi's Dong Da Festival on February 12, marking the Vietnamese people's 1789 victory over the Chinese Qing invaders. The festival commemorates the victory of King Quang Trung (Nguyen Hue), who led his Tay Son guerrilla forces from Hue (in the central region) to Thang Long Citadel (now Ha Noi in the north) to defeat 200,000 soldiers of the Chinese Qing dynasty in the spring of 1789. Dong Da Park in Ha Noi reportedly witnessed fierce battles between King Quang Trung's soldiers and the Chinese invaders on the fifth day of the first lunar month.  The annual Dong Da festival started with incense offerings and processions in commemoration of King Quang Trung, who later became Emperor, and the Tay Son soldiers. It was followed by a series of cultural, artistic and sports activities, as well as martial art performances depicting the victory that took place 227 years ago. Following are some photos of the event.  VNS