Lạng Sơn, Provincial capital city in northern Vietnam
Lạng Sơn is a provincial capital in northern Vietnam that spreads across valleys and hills while connecting the country with China via the Friendship Gate. It sits at the northernmost point of National Route 1 and serves as a key transportation hub in the region.
The area became a French military base in 1885 and later experienced several armed conflicts, including battles during World War II and the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979. These events left deep marks on the city's history and infrastructure.
The city is home to eight ethnic groups including Kinh, Tày, Nùng, Hoa, Dao, Mường, Sán Dìu, and Sán Chỉ, each with their own traditions and celebrations. This diversity shapes daily life and the appearance of the streets, where you can see different traditional clothing and taste local food specialties.
The city lies about 150 kilometers north of Hanoi and is accessible by train or bus, with journey times between four and five hours. When visiting, be aware that the location sits in hilly terrain and weather can be changeable, especially during the cooler months.
Remarkably, snow fell in the city in January 2016, an exceptionally rare weather occurrence for this northern region of Vietnam. This unusual event remains a memorable experience for residents and visitors, as such conditions almost never happen at this elevation.
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