The Statue of General Lê Chân is not merely a piece of public art but a central landmark and a profound cultural symbol of Hai Phong City. It honors the heroic female general, Lê Chân, who is revered as the founder of the city and its spiritual guardian.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Founder of An Biên: Lê Chân was a female general who lived in the first century AD (circa ). After her family was persecuted by the Chinese Han official Tô Định, she fled south and established the village of An Biên in the fertile area near the Cấm River estuary. This settlement is historically recognized as the original nucleus of modern Hai Phong City.
Hero of the Trưng Sisters’ Uprising: She quickly became a formidable military leader and joined the famous Trưng Sisters’ Uprising against Chinese rule. Her strategic prowess led to her being appointed as a Great General, commanding the naval forces to defend the coastal region (known as Hải tần Phòng thủ).
The City’s Guardian Spirit: Lê Chân is venerated by the people of Hai Phong as the Tutelary Spirit (Thành Hoàng) of the city. Her temple, Nghè Temple, is still a significant spiritual site, and the city named a major administrative district (Lê Chân District) in her honor.
The Statue and Monument
A Grand Landmark: The statue stands in the heart of the city’s central square, making it a prominent and easily accessible landmark for both locals and tourists.
Physical Details: The statue is an impressive work of art, cast in bronze, standing approximately tall and weighing about . It depicts the general in a commanding pose, symbolizing the courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit of the city’s inhabitants.
Construction: The monument was inaugurated on December 31, 2000, celebrating her lasting contribution to the land.
Festivals and Local Culture
Lê Chân Festival: To honor her memory, the traditional Lê Chân Festival is celebrated annually, typically on the 8th day of the second lunar month (her traditional birthday). The festival includes ceremonial rituals, traditional games, and cultural performances, drawing large crowds and reviving a sense of local pride.
National Heritage: The traditional Lê Chân Festival was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
“Lê Chân Award”: The city awards the prestigious “Lê Chân Award” annually to outstanding women who have made significant contributions to the development of Hai Phong.
Practical Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Square, near the Hai Phong Exhibition and Fine Arts Center, Lê Chân District, Hai Phong City. |
| Opening Hours | Open 24/7 (as it is a public monument in a square). |
| Admission Fee | Free (It is an open-air public statue). |
| Best Time to Visit | Day or evening. The monument is beautifully lit at night, and the square is a popular gathering place for locals. It's a great spot for photography and people-watching. |
| Nearby Attractions | The statue is centrally located, close to the Hai Phong Opera House, Tam Bạc Lake, and Nghè Temple (Lê Chân's main temple). |
