The program “Hai Phong Welcomes New Year 2025 – Awards Ceremony and Announcement of Hai Phong City Symbol” is an opportunity to promote the land and people of Hai Phong to domestic and international friends.
Unveiling Hai Phong’s City Symbol After Over 30 Years
In 2024, Hai Phong continued to be a bright spot in the northern region of Vietnam. The city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) reached 11.01%, one and a half times the national average. The total import-export turnover through the port system exceeded 90 billion USD, affirming Hai Phong’s role as a leading logistics hub in Vietnam. The city also attracted nearly 4.9 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI).
Beyond economic highlights, Hai Phong is known for hosting impressive cultural events, especially during special occasions. The “Hai Phong Welcomes New Year 2025” program stood out as a major attraction, drawing thousands of locals and tourists to welcome the New Year in a vibrant, festive, and meaningful atmosphere. It was more than a moment to mark the transition between old and new; it celebrated local culture, fostered community connections, and showcased the city’s unique charm.
At the event, Hai Phong officially unveiled its city symbol. This marked the end of a 32-year search, during which six competitions had been held to find a fitting logo for the city.
According to the Hai Phong Department of Culture and Sports, the first contest to design a city logo was held in 1992 but ended without a winner. Further contests in 1999, 2000, 2007, and 2015 also failed to select a final design.
In 2022, the sixth contest was launched, with entries accepted from Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Ultimately, design NTM 787—featuring a red flamboyant flower petal and ocean waves—was chosen.
The symbol forms an image of a ship heading out to sea, representing Hai Phong’s historical, economic, and cultural values. It reflects the city's development, modernity, dynamism, creativity, and warmth under the rising sun—a metaphor for a bright, expansive future. The design is elegant, modern, minimalist, and concise, with a distinctive style adaptable to various materials.
Mrs. Trần Thị Hoàng Mai, Director of the Hai Phong Department of Culture and Sports, said: “A moment of pride for every Hai Phong citizen was the unveiling of the city symbol. After 32 years of searching and six rounds of competition, in January 2024, design NTM 787—with the red flamboyant petal and sea waves—was selected. The overall image forms a ship sailing forward, carrying cultural and historical values symbolizing progress and unity.”
Nguyễn Văn Ngát, Director of New Design Company in Ho Chi Minh City and winner of the competition, shared that for a civic emblem, the design must encapsulate a location’s distinct identity—its history, economy, culture, and geography. Unlike logos for businesses or events, a civic symbol must be formal, minimal, and tightly constructed without artistic liberties. To develop his design, he synthesized Hai Phong’s iconic characteristics. The city is rich in symbolism, and no single image—like a flamboyant flower or port—could represent its full identity. Therefore, he combined various elements into one cohesive visual.
Highlighting Hai Phong’s Appeal
Immediately after the awards ceremony and logo announcement, the “Hai Phong – Welcome New Year 2025” performance event delighted audiences with cheerful, energetic spring-themed musical performances
According to Director, Mrs. Trần Thị Hoàng Mai, Hai Phong is committed to developing its cultural life on par with its economic growth, meeting the spiritual needs of the people. This special program brought the essence of the New Year, created an uplifting atmosphere for residents and visitors, and helped promote Hai Phong’s image, achievements, and efforts in 2024. The performances were grand and carried positive messages of hope and energy for the future, featuring well-known singers.
Mrs. Phạm Minh Thi, a tourist from Hanoi, shared:“For the 2025 New Year holiday, my friends and I chose Hai Phong as our destination since it’s close to Hanoi and easy to travel to. On the night of December 31, 2024, we joined the crowd at the city’s Opera House to enjoy the vibrant performances, watched our idol Soobin Hoang Son sing live, and counted down to the New Year with the locals. On New Year’s Day, we plan to visit famous landmarks downtown and experience a Hai Phong food tour to better understand the local culture.”
Earlier, Hai Phong authorities had announced plans to organize various activities to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025, and the 95th Anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – February 3, 2025). The city has prepared thoroughly to offer tourists the best experience.
Mr. Vũ Huy Thưởng, Deputy Director of Hai Phong’s Department of Tourism, stated that to ensure optimal service during the Tet holiday and spring festivals in 2025, the Department is coordinating with relevant agencies to inspect tourism-related businesses, transportation, travel agencies, and tour guides. This includes ensuring safety and maintaining order, fire prevention, and environmental sanitation, especially at popular tourist sites in districts like Do Son, Cat Hai, Hong Bang, Thuy Nguyen, and Vinh Bao.