Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng), Hanoi

City Gate in Hanoi

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Richard Mortel

The only surviving gate of the citadel of Thang Long, O Quan Chuong, not only showcases architectural beauty but also represents Hanoi’s ancient history.

According to records, during the reign of King Le Thai Tong (1740-1786), Thang Long had many gates such as Cau Giay, Cho Dua, Cau Dien, and Quan Chuong. Each city gate was constructed with a design that allowed them to be opened during the day, closed and fenced at night, and guarded to prevent theft and fire.

Built in the 18th century, O Quan Chuong, also known as Dong Ha (East Gate), was situated in the eastern part of the citadel surrounding the capital city of Thang Long. The gate was later named after an army chief (Quan Chuong) to honor his sacrifice and that of Nguyen soldiers in the fight against the French when they attacked Hanoi.

O Quan Chuong consists of two floors and is constructed as a watchtower (pavillon), a typical architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. The first floor features three doors: a central main door that is 3 meters high and wide, and two side doors, each about 1.65 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, all designed in a dome style. The second floor serves as the observation pavilion.

As the only remaining old city gate of Hanoi, O Quan Chuong not only bears the mark of the Thang Long capital but also stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people in their struggle against foreign invaders.

The Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng), Hanoi appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!