PANO - Ho Chi Minh City’s authorities held a ceremony on February 12th to receive the certificate of National Special Relic Site for its Cu Chi Tunnels, and gather former veterans of the Saigon - Cho Lon - Gia Dinh revolutionary zone.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh Municipal People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong (1st from right) handing over the certificate to the site's managing board. (Photo: VNA)

Former State President Nguyen Minh Triet, former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, central and local leaders, senior revolutionaries, and many locals attended the event.

Located about 70 km away from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels is an immense network of connecting underground tunnels which were used by Vietnamese soldiers during the wars against France and the US as living quarters, hospitals, supply routes, and food and weapons caches. The tunnels network, stretching over 250 km, has three layers with the deepest 10 m from the surface.

The historic site has been rebuilt and upgraded in recent years to maintain its historic values and better serve tourists. It receives over 1 million domestic and foreign visitors every year.

Translated by Trung Thanh