A Remnant of the “Fiery Flower” Era

13/09/2026
Returning to the mountainous region of Nhu Thanh, visitors can discover not only the tranquil beauty of its forests and mountains, but also journey back through stories of a heroic past. Hidden deep within Dong Muoi Mountain Cave, the Hai Van Resistance Blast Furnace is a special destination that preserves the legacy of a remarkable feat of Vietnam’s military engineering industry during the years of the resistance war against the French.

Built in late 1953, the Hai Van Resistance Blast Furnace, also known as the NX3 cast-iron furnace, lies deep within a limestone mountain. In the midst of a fierce war, bringing a large and cumbersome blast furnace system into a mountain cave and building and operating it there was a bold decision, demonstrating the ingenuity and determination to overcome difficulties of those working in Vietnam’s military engineering and weapons industry at the time.

During its years of operation, the NX3 blast furnace produced more than 500 tons of cast iron, supplying steel billets to military workshops that manufactured weapons and military equipment for the armed forces fighting the French.

The blast furnace was later named Hai Van to commemorate the resounding victory achieved by the Vietnamese army and people at Hai Van Pass.

During the nine-year resistance war against the French, Thanh Hoa was home to as many as 15 mechanical workshops operated by the Ministry of National Defence and Military Zone 4, producing weapons and ammunition.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay] Dấu tích một thời hoa lửaIn 2013, the Hai Van Resistance Blast Furnace was recognized as a National Historical Relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2015, the site underwent conservation and restoration to preserve and promote its historical value.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay] Dấu tích một thời hoa lửaAfter more than 70 years, the Hai Van Resistance Blast Furnace remains well preserved and continues to attract local residents and visitors interested in exploring its history.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay] Dấu tích một thời hoa lửaThe cast-iron smelting area remains relatively intact.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay] Dấu tích một thời hoa lửaWalls built within the Hai Van Resistance Blast Furnace historical site.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay] Dấu tích một thời hoa lửaThe hot-blast furnace was solidly constructed and designed to withstand temperatures of up to 1,200°C.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay] Dấu tích một thời hoa lửa

A stone stele at the Hai Van Resistance Blast Furnace historical site commemorates the historical significance of this remarkable facility.

Through the many upheavals of history, the Hai Van Blast Furnace still stands today as a living museum, offering a meaningful destination that helps foster patriotism and preserve the historical memory of the nation for generations to come.

Source: vhds.baothanhhoa.vn

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