An essay contest about Hanoi has received over 554,000 entries as of August 1, and the most outstanding ones will be awarded during the celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi in October.

Launched in November 2009, the contest has drawn a large number of participants from across the country and overseas.

Henrri Guillon is the first foreigner from France to have submitted his essay, one hundred-year-old Vu Duy Binh from Hanoi is the oldest entrant and Vu Ngoc Ha from Chu Van An primary school the youngest.

Most of the entries focus on Hanoi’s historical milestones and cultural heritage which have left deep impressions on both Vietnamese and foreign visitors.