In recent days, streams of visitors have flocked to Cổ Loa, Đông Anh district, Hà Nội. Hundreds of people stop daily at Điện Biên’s exhibition booth, eager to explore. The highlight is a vibrant cultural space showcasing the natural beauty, traditions, and distinctive identity of the province.

After joining a traditional Tây Bắc circle dance, Bùi Thị Hiệu, a visitor from Phú Thọ province, shared: “I haven’t had the chance to visit Điện Biên, but through this exhibition I feel like I’m seeing a miniature version right here in Hà Nội. The cultural and historical displays are rich and captivating. Hopefully one day soon I can experience the real Điện Biên.”

With the theme “Điện Biên - Together we build, together we rise”, the province highlighted its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and proud history, especially the legendary Điện Biên Phủ victory“resounding across five continents, shaking the world.” The booth also showcased milestones of Điện Biên’s economic and social development over eight decades alongside the nation.

To immerse visitors in the province’s cultural vibrancy, performances of folk songs and dances of the Thái, Mông, Khơ Mú, Hà Nhì, and Lào peoples were staged regularly. Circle dances, bamboo pole dances, and khèn melodies drew crowds to join in. Traditional artifacts such as stilt houses, gongs, drums, Tinh lute (a traditional plucked string instrument of Vietnam), looms, carrying frame (gùi), and a traditional woven carrying basket (known as ếp) were displayed alongside Activities such as crafting the khèn (traditional bamboo mouth organ), making the Tinh lute, bamboo weaving, brocade weaving, wrist-thread tying ritual, and pounding bánh dày (traditional sticky rice cake), painting a vivid picture of Điện Biên’s ethnic diversity.

The cultural exchange space of Điện Biên province at the national exhibition of achievements is harmoniously designed with images, traditional artifacts, and interactive exchanges with artisans, creating a striking highlight of Điện Biên within the exhibition. It also serves as a ‘living classroom,’ blending tradition with modernity. This space brings history closer and more accessible, helping today’s generations better understand their roots and the great sacrifices of their forefathers.

To allow local people and visitors to fully immerse themselves in history, behind the central LED screen, Điện Biên province recreated scene 1 “The whole nation goes to the battlefield” from the panoramic painting at the Điện Biên Phủ victory Museum.

The highlight is the depiction of civilian porters transporting food supplies; laden bicycles, ammunition boxes, sacks of rice, and bamboo stretchers; along with interactive features such as a virtual museum corner and virtual reality games.

Among the most appealing and captivating experiences for visitors is the VR game. Through simulation software that reenacts battles of the Điện Biên Phủ campaign, combined with VR headsets and handheld controllers, participants can engage in gameplay while interacting through multiple senses. This provides a vivid and realistic sense of the Điện Biên Phủ battle.

Đỗ Hải Lâm, a student from Hà Nội, said: “Through history lessons I already knew how grand the Điện Biên Phủ battle was. But experiencing the VR game made me feel even more proud and moved by the sacrifices of our forefathers. This is truly a place of living history education for our generation.”

The images and artifacts displayed at the Điện Biên exhibition space vividly reflect history and leave a strong impression on visitors. Highlights include a model of the Điện Biên Phủ victory monument; two artistic decorative panels with distinctive motifs (depicting mountains and ban blossoms); a model of the ban tree - the symbolic flower of Điện Biên’s land and people; miniature landscapes and 3D paintings; as well as applications of modern digital technology such as QR codes for accessing digital archives, virtual reality games, LED screens, electronic sound and lighting systems, guided narration, and interactive activities.

The “Green Food Train” food corner also introduced specialties and OCOP products from Điện Biên, attracting many visitors eager to taste and shop.

According to Trần Hải Hà, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: “Our booth was designed as a symbolic, artistic whole. It showcases the land, people, and culture of Điện Biên, while highlighting its strengths and investment potential in the heart of Hà Nội. This contributes not only to the success of the exhibition “80 years of independence - freedom - happiness” but also to spreading national pride and aspiration for growth.”