Dong Dang is a small town in Lang Son province whose name is associated with the legendary tale about To Thi in Vietnamese literature. It became a key fortress in the nation’s defense of the northern border during the war in 1979.
Forty years ago, Lang Son was one of the strongest fronts in the war to protect the nation’s northern border. Dong Dang was the most important fortress in town with a system of tunnels built inside the mountain, on top of which were solid blockhouses. The fortress could accommodate hundreds of people.
When entering the gateway town of Lang Son, the Chinese troops claimed to “have breakfast in Dong Dang, and dinner in Hanoi the same day”.
But for five days, the enemy was unable to penetrate the fortress which was protected by the soldiers of Company 42, Regimen 4, Division 3 (Golden Star division) and police armed forces (border soldiers now).
On February 22, 1979, the Chinese troops used explosives to collapse the main entrance gate of the fortress, dropped grenades into air holes and poured gas to set a fire, killing many wounded soldiers and civilians.
The resilient stand against Chinese troops by the soldiers at Dong Dang stronghold gave more time for the country to prepare to fight back.
Located on a hill to the south of Dong Dang, Dong Dang fortress is a special historical relic of the northern border war in 1979.
Dong Dang has been revived after four decades, but the ruins of Dong Dang fortress on the deserted hill are reminders of a painful period in the country’s history.
On February 22, 1979, when Chinese troops besieged Dong Dang fortress, the soldiers of Company 42, Regimen 4, Division 3 and police armed forces stood strong to protect hundreds of civilians inside. In the photo: Large concrete blocks destroyed by explosives.
Senior Lieutenant Ha Duc Thien (a soldier of the Regiment 4, Division 337) witnessed Chinese troops attacking Dong Dang fortress when there were hundreds of civilians inside.
Dong Dang fortress is a fortified base.
The fortress is located on a hill next to Dong Dang Station and Highway 4A leading to the town of Dong Dang. It was a major target of Chinese troops in the early days of the war.
Large concrete blocks around the blockhouse remain on the cliffs.
View from the top of Dong Dang fortress to the peaceful town today. The remains of hundreds of people still lie under the fortress.
Dong Dang fortress was a shelter for hundreds of local residents.
Traces of large concrete blocks broken by explosives on February 22, 1979.
Chinese troops fired flamethrowers and dropped grenades into air holes, killing many wounded soldiers and civilians.
Located on the main road only 2km from the border gate, Dong Dang fortress was the prime target of Chinese troops if they wanted to capture Lang Son.