Among the most beautiful roads in the heart of Hai Duong City is Hong Quang Street. According to Hai Duong Newspaper, Hong Quang Street was formed during the French colonial period and was built from Bao Dai Flower Garden (now known as Doc Lap Square) straight to the train station. It was originally named Massimi Street.
During the nine-year resistance war against the French (1946-1954), the French army, which was occupying Hai Duong town at the time, used this very street as an airfield for light aircraft.
Hence, the road was also referred to as the ‘airplane road’. This was a colloquial term, while the official name remained Massimi Street before the August Revolution. During the period of 1946-1954, the road was named Dinh Van Tra Street. In 1956-1957, Dinh Van Tra Street was renovated into a double-lane road and renamed Hong Quang Street.
The story of the first airport in Hai Duong City, and in Hai Duong Province as a whole, is unique and sheds light on the rich history and culture of the region, with its many intriguing aspects.
Hong Quang Street today stretches over 800 meters in length and 14 meters in width (accommodating four lanes of traffic). It serves as the boundary between Quang Trung and Nguyen Trai wards, intersecting with Tien Phong, Nguyen Cong Tru, Ngo Gia Tu, and An Ninh streets.
Hong Quang is one of the most beautiful streets in the city and is among the few roads that have preserved the ancient sycamore trees.
Lined with residential houses on both sides, the street maintains a peaceful atmosphere despite the traffic flow, a tranquility rarely found elsewhere in the city.
Along the road, one can also find architectural landmarks that bear the marks of time, such as the General Store, Hoa Hong Hotel, Hai Duong Museum, Hai Duong Bus Station, and the train station at the end of the street.
Additionally, the vicinity of Hong Quang Street is home to several important institutions and facilities, including the Hai Duong Party Committee, the Provincial Cultural Center, the People’s Procuracy of Hai Duong Province, and the People’s Committee of the ward, to name a few.
