Since the first community transmission case of coronavirus was confirmed in Da Nang on 25 July, an emotional drawing entitled 'There is a city which is bracing itself for storms' has gone viral on the social network Facebook.

Nguyen Minh Hoang

The drawing features such iconic symbols shaping Da Nang brand as the Sun Wheel, the Han Market, the Rong (Dragon) Bridge and the Administration Centre which are all placed on a fishing boat held by two giant hands. The drawing helps lift the spirits in Da Nang through the coronavirus crisis.

This emotional drawing was drawn by Nguyen Minh Hoang, 29, a native of Da Nang, who is living and working in Ho Chi Minh City. Hoang has studied in the Faculty of Graphic Design of the Da Nang Architecture University.

Yet, few know when this drawing is created exactly.

Hoang said he created this drawing in 2015 as it was inspired from storms sweeping across Central Viet Nam in the past, especially the deadly typhoon Xangsane which hit Da Nang in October 2006.

"I really wanted to do something to lift the spirits of people in my hometown, and Central Viet Nam at large, affected by natural disaters, so I devoted lots of effort to create the drawing. Through my drawing, I want to convey a message about my hometown, Da Nang, - a resilient city has made every effort to overcome difficulties and to become one of the most liveable cities in Viet Nam ”, the man in 90s said.

Hoang said the giant hands protecting the boat in his drawing showcases that people in Da Nang are ready to join their city's effort to help their hometown overcome difficult situations.

The words "'There is a city which is bracing itself for storms' on Hoang's drawing aim to develop a strong belief in his fellow country people that their city will soon get through hard times.

Hoang's drawing

Hoang's drawing took second prize in the 1^st "Viet Nam - Where I Live" design contest, and Hoang received a scholarship to study at a famous architecture university in Viet Nam.

Hoang said he was very happy and felt honoured when his drawing has gone viral on the social network Facebook again, hereby spreading a positive message to every citizen in Viet Nam  amid second wave fears in our country.

"Despite living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, I always updates pandemic-related information in Da Nang" Hoang said.

In addition to the above drawing, Hoang has drawn other paintings about the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, the Rong (Dragon) Bridge and the Hue T-junction, all in Da Nang.

He said Da Nang is always an endless source of inspiration for him to draw whether in the past, present or future.

By KHA MIEN - Translated by M.DUNG