TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC VĂN HÓA HÀ NỘI
KHOA DU LỊCH
BÀI ĐIỀU KIỆN MÔN: TIẾNG ANH HƯỚNG DẪN DU LỊCH
NỘI DUNG: Hue royal city
Giảng viên hướng dẫn : Ths. Lê Thanh Tú
Lớp tín chỉ: NN6052 (N02)
Nhóm thực hiện: nhóm 5
Sinh viên thực hiện:
Trần Xuân Ngọc: 63DHD11066
Bùi Hồng Trần: 63DHD11095
Lê Phương Uyên: 63DHD11100
Nguyễn Thị Quyên: 63DHD11078
Nguyễn Quỳnh Vy: 63DHD11102
Trần Hữu Quyết: 63DHD11080
Năm học 2024 - 2025
Bảng phân công công việc
STT Họ và tên MSV Phần việc
1 Trần Xuân Ngọc 63DHD11066 overview
2 Bùi Hồng Trần 63DHD11095 Noon Gate
3 Lê Phương Uyên 63DHD11100 Truong Sanh
Palace
4 Nguyễn Thị Quyên 63DHD11078 Purple
Forbidden City
5 Nguyễn Quỳnh Vy 63DHD11102 Great rites court
and Throne
palace
6 Trần Hữu Quyết 63DHD11080 The To temple
and 9 dynastic
urns
1. Overview ìnormation
Lady and gentlemen, welcome to Hue, one of the most attraction in
VN. I’m absolutely delighted to be your tour guide today. It is my big
happiness and big pleasure to accompany with you in your trip, hope you
will have wonderful experience and unforgettable memory. As you know,
VN is a beautiful country, every time, every where have different beauty.
Actually, you come to Hue not to discover majestic mountain, vibrant
city or endless rice field, you come to hue for enjoying atmosphere of
poetic, romantic ancient capital. And and Hue citadel is the most typical
expression of that beauty. Before we go inside the complex, I will
introduce you about overview information of this building.
Time foundation
The Imperial City of Huế was constructed over a period from 1805 to
1832, during the reigns of Emperor Gia Long and Emperor Minh Mạng
of the Nguyễn Dynasty.In the early 19th century, after years of civil wars
among the Trinh and Nguyen Lords, followed by the Tay Son and finally
the Nguyen Dynasty, Emperor Gia Long (Nguyen Anh) succeeded in
unifying the country. He chose Phu Xuan – the old name of Hue – as the
capital of a newly united Vietnam. During Emperor Minh Mạng's reign
(1820–1841), the Imperial City was further expanded and enhanced with
the construction of the Imperial Enclosure (Hoàng Thành), the Forbidden
Purple City (Tử Cấm Thành), temples, and royal shrines.
Why chose this land
And maybe you have a little curios why king Gia Long choose Hue but
not Thang Long or Gia Dinh. I will explain for you now. The location
was carefully selected based on both strategic and spiritual reasons.
Geographically, Huế lies in the center of Vietnam, which made it a
balanced location for managing the entire country. Spiritually, the area
was believed to be harmonious according to feng shui principles, with the
Perfume River in front ( attract positive energy )and Ngự Bình Mountain
behind ( as natural screen ) providing a symbol of stability and prosperity.
Two islets in the Perfume River named Hen Islet and Da Vien Islet play
the role of “Left Dragon” and “Right tiger” guarding the city. And it is
facing to the south the direction can control everything. In Eastern
philosophy, the South is the direction of light, warmth and vitality. The
South is also associated with the Five Elements, symbolizing prosperity
and strong development.
Architecture
And Hue royal city has special architucture combined Chinese royal
architecture, Vn traditional architecture and Vanban ( military style ). I
have the map of royal city here, look at this everyone, you can easy
realising the complex including 3 layer wall.
The Capital Citadel is outermost layer.This outer wall encircles the entire
imperial city, stretching nearly 10 km. Initially made of earth, it was later
reinforced with bricks and stones. It serves as the first line of defense,
combining Eastern traditions with Western military architecture.
The Imperial City is middle layer. This was where the emperor held
court, where the central government operated, and where major royal
ceremonies took place. It was the very heart of the Nguyen Dynasty's
power. The Forbidden Purple City is innermost layer. This area was
strictly reserved for the emperor and the royal family. Imagine this: a
hidden world, where even the highest mandarins had to bow their heads
before setting foot. This was the emperor’s sanctuary, the most sacred
place in the realm.
Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO
Because of this value, Huế, specifically the Complex of Hué Monuments,
was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.
The recognition criteria at that time (based on the old system) mainly
focused on two outstanding aspects:
Outstanding global value in terms of architecture, planning, and art:
- The complex includes the Imperial City, the Royal Citadel, the
Forbidden Purple City, royal tombs, temples, and pagodas —
representing a brilliant synthesis of traditional Vietnamese architecture
infused with influences from Confucian, Buddhist, and Eastern cultures.
- The layout harmoniously blends man-made structures with the natural
landscape, particularly the integration of the Perfume River, Mount Ngu
Binh, and surrounding hills.
Profound historical and cultural significance:
- Huế was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty — the last feudal dynasty of
Vietnam (1802–1945).
- It preserves tremendous cultural, political, and spiritual values
throughout different historical periods.
Some outsatanding building
Because of we have limied time, so I will lead you to the most famous
site as: noon gate, Thai Hoa palace, Nine dynastic urn,…
Ngọ Môn Gate (Meridian Gate): The main entrance to the Imperial City,
reserved for the emperor.
• Thái Hòa Palace: The ceremonial hall where the emperor held official
receptions and important rituals.
• Điện Long An (Long An Palace): A beautiful example of wooden
architecture, now used as a museum.
• Forbidden Purple City (Tử Cấm Thành): Though many parts were
damaged during wars, some buildings have been restored.
• Thế Miếu Temple: Ancestral temple to honor past emperors of the
Nguyễn Dynasty.
• Hiển Lâm Các: A tall pavilion symbolizing the glory of the dynasty.
• Nine Dynastic Urns (Cửu Đỉnh): Cast in bronze, representing the power
of the Nguyễn emperors.
Now we enter the entrance and have another tourguide more handsome
accompay with you.
2. Noon gate
Located in front of the Throne Palace and facing the flag-tower,
Noon Gate is the main entrance to the Imperial City.
When constructing the Imperial City in 1804, Emperor Gia Long
had ordered a building called Nam Khuyet Tower (Southern Gate Tower)
to be erected on the present day site (the same as Eastern, Western, and
Northern Gate Towers we see today). In 1806, a structure was built atop
the Nam Khuyet Tower which was recorded in historical documents as
the Can Nguyen Palace. On its sides are the Left and Right Gates. Under
the supervision of Emperor Minh Mang, Can Nguyen Palace was
disassembled for the Can Thanh Palace and Nam Khuyet Tower was
converted into the Noon Gate in 1833.
According to the belief, the king always sat facing the south to rule
over mankind and Noon Gate was built facing the South. As the main
gate, Ngo Mon is not used much because of its high ritual. The gate is
usually only opened on special occasions such as when the king enters the
royal city, there is a group of prizes, or on the occasions to welcome the
important Symmetry of Diplomacy to the palace.
Noon Gate is a huge construction, U -shaped and consisting of two
parts: below is a foundation made of brick, Thanh and Quang stone,
above is a pavilion made of wood and roofed with tiles.
The longest and widest sides of this 5,2 m high foundation measure
50 m and 27m, respectively. Ascent to the top can be made by two open
stone staircases at both sides. There are five entrances, the main is Noon
Gate (paved with Thanh stone, the doors are lacquered red and open only
for the Emperor).
Two side - entrances are the Left and Right Gates reserved for civil and
military mandarins and inside the branches of the U are two other gates
(also called bending gates) shaped like an L and used by soldiers,
elephants, and horses in the royal procession.
The upper part is the Ngu Phung Pavilion (Pavilion of Five
Phoenixes, middle) flanked by two wing belvederes, each consisting of
two storeys. Viewed from above, the pavilion resembles a group of five
phoenixes with beaks joined and wings widespread. They make two rows,
two roofs each surrounded by a roofed gallery.
The middle section of the roof is covered with yellow enameled
tiles called "Hoàng Lưu Ly” only for the king and others with dark green
ones called "Thanh Lưu Ly” for mandarins . Along the roof ridges are
designs of head - turning dragons, banian leaves and bats - with golden
coins. Panels along the eaves are decorated with ceramic mosaics of
prunus, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo.
They are harmonious and bright in colour and well undergo challenges of
rains, typhoons and time.
The upper storey is supplied with wooden partitions and
exclusively reserved for the Queen Mother and the Emperor's wives.
They may look through windows shaped like circles, gongs or fans. The
blinds offer those who stand inside a-view of outside scene and secure
them from being seen.
The lower storey is left open except the middle compartment which
is paneled and supplied with glass-doors where the Emperor sit on festive
occasions. Behind are a big bell and a large drum. When beaten, their
sounds enhance the importance of the ceremonies (the drum was often
used to herald dosing-time of the Imperial City). On hearing the sounds,
sentries would fire the cannons on the flag-tower and close or open the
Gate to Imperial City.
Two Chinese characters meaning "Noon Gate" on the front of this
construction had originally been gilded with genuine gold and were
deprived of later in 1943. All structural components such as partitions,
columns, rafters, doors and banisters are lacquered red and yellow.
Apart from the role of an entrance to the Imperial City. Noon Gate also
the site where the Emperor received homage from his subjects and
ceremonies took place such as: Truyền Lô - Ceremony of Proclamation of
Doctor Lists (successful candidates in the national examination), Ban Sóc
(Calendar Offering Day). Ngo Mon was also a historical place - the place
where the abdication of King Bao Dai - the last king of the feudal dynasty
of Vietnam, on August 30, 1945.
On border of the road passing the Noon Gate stand two stone steles
inscribed with "Tilt Your Hats and Dismount" reminding passer to tilt
their hats and get off horses when passing this sanctum to show the
respect to the king.
3. Great rites court and throne palace
After passing through the Noon Gate , we coming to The great court in
front of the palace, known as the Great Rites Court consists of two
terraces: the upper is for high – ranking civil and military mandarins
( from candidate third ranking to – first ranking ). On both sides of the
court are two rows of small stelea called Pham Son showing the positions
mandarins should take according to their ranks. The lower terrace is for
elders and village authorities in ceremonial occasions. At both corners of
the court stand two bronze Kylins. Kylin is traditionally a harbiner of
peace and solemnity. Between Ngo Mon Gate and the court is the Thai
Dich Lake (Grand Liquid Lake), dug in 1833 and spanned by the Trung
Dao (Central Path) Bridge. The bridge, secured by iron banisters,
connects the two monuments.
Thai Hoa Palace is the biggest, the most beautiful and the most important
construction under the Nguyen Dynasty. It faces to the Noon gate and lies
right on
the central axis of the citadel. It witnessed 13 reign of the Nguyen
dynasty, from
Gia Long King who was the founder of the dynasty to Bao Dai the last
King. It
was constructed in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long and used later in 1806 for
his coronation. In 1833, it was moved onto a foundation 2.33m high by
Emperor Minh Mang. Thai Hoa Palace was used for the king’s official
receptions and other important court ceremonies such as anniversaries
and coronations. Giving this name to the construction, the kings of the
Nguyen Dynasty seemed to wish to build a strong and prosperous dynasty
and bring a happy life for the whole country.
It is 44m long, 30.5m across, 11.80m high and contains a 5-
compartment, two-bay main building connected with a 7-compartment,
two-bay front building. This is a typical royal architecture in style of
“double house on one foundation”. It decorated with lacquer, gilding, and
bronzeware.
Here, you can catch many images of dragons and clouds used as the main
decorative patterns. Over the middle compartment hangs a board
inscribed with Chinese chracters “Thai Hoa Dien” The throne of all
Nguyen Kings are also displayed here. In 1839, the framework was
lacquered red and gold by Emperor Minh Mang. It was later supplied
with European-styled paving by Emperor Thanh Thai in 1899.
The interior decorations include some jugs and other antiques. On the
court stand a line of carved pedestals, each with a large vase for rare
plants. Constructors of the Throne palace have created two contradictory
features: cool inside in summer and warm in winter. From the throne in
the centre, one can distinctively hear sounds made anywhere in the
palace. Of this phenomenon, no researcher in acoustics and architecture
can ever give excat explanations.
Throne Palace is the site where solemn ceremonies took place such as:
the Coronation Day, the Crown Prince Coronation Day, the Ambassador
Receiving Ceremony, Emperor's Birthday Anniversaries, etc. Great
meetings were held here twice a month while regular ones took place in
the Can Chanh Palace (Palace of Audiences) behind the Great Golden
Gate. On these occasions, the Emperor majestically sat on the throne,
wearing a crown decorated with nine dragon designs, a golden robe, a
jade belt, brocaded footwears and held in his hands an incense or
cinnamon bar. Only four top - ranking mandarins and princes were
allowed to stand in the palace. The others stood in lines outside according
to their ranks.
These meetings would be held very early in the morning and closed at
sunrise. The Palace was seriously damaged by shells from US warships in
the i968 battle. Typhoons, rains and floods have aggravated the calamity
and thus deprived the monument of ita original appearance.
4. The To Temple and nine dynastic urn
Lady and gentlemen, now we are standing in front of the The To
temple, one of the most outstanding building in Imperal citadel in Hue.
The To temple is located in the southwest of the Imperal citadel
and facing the south. The To temple is a place to worship 10 emperors of
Nguyen dynasty. The location of The To temple was formerly the
location of Hoang Khao temple built by emperor Gia Long to worship
his farther Nguyen Phuc Luan. But until 1821, emperor Minh Mang
moved is behind, changed it to Hung temple and built The To temple on
that place to worship emperors of Nguyen dynasty. The To temple has a
9-compartment main hall and a 11 compartment front hall together
connected in the “double” architecture with two bays on east and west
sides. The entire frame of this building made of iron wood. Its roof was
roofed with yellow enameled tiles with 2 overlapping layers. between
them is the strip of ancient tiles running around the 4 sides of the the
building. It devideded in to many panels and compartments decorated
with images of Eight Precious Objects (bát bửu), lotus flowers, pine trees,
carp transforming into dragons, and the character 'Thọ' (longevity). These
motifs convey messages of morality, blessings for prosperity, and the
sustainability of the dynasty
On the roof ridge rest a wine gourd decorated with Phap Lam
enamel and two side is statutes of head turning dragon. According to
Vietnamese folk believe, wine gourd is represent for the purity so the
statue of wine gourd on the roof ridge show the desire to keep the clean
and the purity for this spiritual space. On the other hand, according to
feng shui, the wine gourd can drive away evil and bad qi to protect the
sacered of The To temple. The pair statutes of head turning dragon at
two side of roof rigde associate with the king in the Vietnamese belief,
represent for the power of the imperor in the past. On the other hand, the
head turning dragon statue also show the respect to the ancestor.
Inside the temple, above the middle altar hangs a carved board
inscribed 3 big Chinese character “The To Mieu” read from left to right.
The To temple was decorated with red and yellow lacquered poems and
paintings in the style of “one poem, one painting” praising merit of
emperor Gia Long during his reign. Above hang many colourful glasses
side hexagonal or octagonal lantern. Although The To temple have 13
altars, just 10 emperors were worship here because according to the
regulations of Nguyen dynasty, the king who are reguard as a deposed
king were not worshipped. These emperors are: Duc Duc, Hiep Hoa, Bao
Dai. Until the year 1958, there are 7 emperors were worshipped in The
To temple equivalent to 7 red and yellow lacquered altars. One in the
middle, 3 on either side.
The middle altar delicated to emperor Gia Long and his 2 Queen
Thua Thien and Thuan Thien
The 1st altar on the left delicated to emperor Minh Mang and Queen
The 1st altar on the right delicated to emperor Thieu Tri and Queen
The 2nd altar on the left delicated to emperor Tu Duc and queen
The 2nd altar on the right delicated to emperor Kien Phuc
The 3rd altar on the left delicated to emperor Dong Khanh and
queen
The 3rd altar on the right delicated to emperor Khai Dinh
On January the 25, 1959, on the request of royal family and the masses,
the ceremony was hosted to admit to the temple the mortuary tablet of 3
emperor Ham Nghi, Thanh Thai, Duy Tan – 3 anti French emperor. So ,
there exist today in the temple 3 additional reddish altar for them.
Although The To temple have 13 altars, just 10 emperors were worship
here because according to the regulations of Nguyen dynasty, the king
who are reguard as a deposed king were not worshipped
On the east of the temple is Canh Y pavilion (pavilion for clothes
changing), west of it is a square Chapel delicated to the god of earth.
Outside the Hien Lam pavilion are left and right house delicated to
meritorious mandarins who had devoted themselves to emperor Nguyen
Anh and his successors
On the temple’s court stand 9 dynastic urn, stand in the shade of
Hien Lam Pavillion, in front of The To temple and southwest of imperial
city. They are 9 greatest urn in Viet Nam were casted by emperor Minh
Mang between 1835-1837 and made of coopper an zinc Each of them is
named corresponding to the posthumous title of the emperor worshipped
in The To temple. They were placed equivalent to the emperor’s altar in
The To temple. It is including: Cao urn, Nhan urn, Chuong urn, Anh urn,
Nghi urn, Thuan urn, Tuyen urn, Du urn, Huyen urn equivalent to
emperor Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Kien Phuc, Dong
Khanh, Khai Dinh. Until 1958 only 7 altar were establish in The To
temple corresponding to 7 urns, Du and Huyen urn had not be used yet.
The Cao urn stand in the center and alone makes the first line
because emperor Minh Mang assumed that emperor Gia Long is a person
whp enmlighted for entire Nguyen dynasty. The others stand behind
make another line and they were placed symmetrically in either side of
Cao Urns. Each of them equivalent to emperor’s altar in The To emperor.
At the first sight they are almost alike, but in fact, they widely different in
weight, size, hight, set of handles and legs. For example, Cao urn is about
2601 kg and about 2,5 m high while Nhan urn is about 2487 kg and about
2.47 m high. But the most remarkable difference among them is the 17
reliefs carved on each of them. The 17 reliefs on each urn comprise what
are the most typhycal of our country from Lang Son Province to Ca Mau
cape. They are concentrated on the following themes: stellar, mountain,
river,sea, vihecles, valuable of forestry and sea product of VN in the early
20th century. For example, on the Nhan urn are reliefs of Huong river,
Phả Lợi river Ngự mountain, peacock, panther, whale,. On Cao urn are
reliefs of Sai Gon river, Vinh Tec annal, sun, tiger, dragon, boat, gun.
Through 153 reliefs on the 9 dynastic urns you can admire knowledge of
Vnese intellects living early in the 20th century. The 9 dynastic urns are
not only represent for the power of Nguyen dynasty but it also are the
evidence to confirm our national sovereignty.
So The To temple is the last destination in the trip to exploring
imperial city in Hue. I hope all of you have the great time here with us
and one time again I'm very appriciate because you chose my company to
hosting your trip in here if you have any question or curious about
anything in Hue dont heritage to contact me Now it's time to say goodbye
I hope you have a great time in Vietnam with us safe travel and enjoy
your stay in Vietnam
5. Purple Forbidden City ( Tử Cấm Thành)
Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace and sharing
with the Citadel and the Imperial City a common axis, the Forbidden
Purple City is a walled enclosure exclusively reserved for the Emperor
and his family.
Constructed early in Emperor Gia Long’s reign in 1804 it was first
called Cung Thanh (City of Residences) and renamed later Purple
Forbidden City by Emperor Ming Mang in 1822. The City is about
1230m in circumference. It is connected with the Imperial City by seven
entrances: The Great Golden Gate on the South, the Tuong Loan Gate
(fly Phoenix Gate) and Nghi Phung Gate on the North, the Hung Khanh
Gate and Dong Anh Gate on the East, the Gia Tuong Gate and Tay An
Gate on the West.
Passing the Great Golden Gate and one see the large court of the Can
Chanh Palace (Palace of Audience) with two huge bronze vessels cast by
Lord Nguyen Phuc Tan. On both sides of the court are two magnificent
buildings calls the Left and Right House. At the end of the court stands
the Can Chanh Palace where the Emperor worked every day. East of it is
the Van Minh Palace (Palace of Civil Affairs) and west of it is the Vo
Hien Palace (Palace of Military Affairs). The Van Minh Palace is work
place of civil mandarins, next to Left Hall (Tả Vu), was destroyed in
1947. Emperor Thành Thái, Duy Tân and Khải Định used the place as
Kinh Diên Viện the study room of learning Historical documents such as
Chinese Four Books and Five Classics and the court meeting place (The
emperor only used Cần Chánh Hall for court meeting if it is important
situation). The Vo Hien Palace is work place of martial mandarins, next
to Right hall (Hữu Vu), destroyed in 1947. It was used by emperor Kiến
Phúc, the study room of learning Historical documents such as Chinese
Four Books and Five Classics and the other historical lesson.
Behind the Can Chanh palace is a screen separating it with the Can
Thanh Palcace (Emperor’s Private Palace) built in 1811. To the east and
between the Can Chanh and Can Thanh Palaces is the Quang Minh
Palace (Palace of Brightness) reserved for the Crown Prince, west of it is
the Trinh Minh Palace used by the Emperor’s first – and second – rank
concubines.
Next comes a cluster of building known as the Khon Thai Residence
(Queen’s Private Apartment) reserve for the Queen. On the right is the
Thuan Huy Palace for the five others namely Doan Thuan, Doan Hoa,
Doan Trang, and Doan Tuong Palaces used by maidservants. East of
Khon Thai Residence is the small Tinh Quan Theatre where the Emperor
was entertained with shows performed by maids. Situated behind the
Khon Thai Palace and on the main axis is the Kien Trung Palace
(completed in 1923).
The Forbidden Purple City is painted yellow. Within these yellow
walls, men were not admitted (except the Emperor and eunuchs) and girls
chosen to be maidservants might not go out.
Surviving architectural works
Left House and Right House
Ta Vu is the building for literary mandarins, while Huu Vu is the
building for martial mandarins; This is where mandarins prepare
ceremonies before holding and where Thi Đình (Palace exam) and royal
banquets are held. Ta Vu and Huu Vu were both built in the 18th year of
Emperor Gia Long (1819).
Kien Trung Palace
Kien Trung hall is a new residence building of the Nguyễn Dynasty in
the Forbidden City (Hue) built by Emperor Khải Định from 1921-1923 at
the same time as his tomb was built to serve as the emperor's living space
in the royal palace. It was later also the place where his son - Emperor
Bảo Đại (the last king of the feudal regime in Vietnam) and the imperial
family lived and worked. Besides that, it was the main workplace of the
court until the dynasty ended in August 1945. Kien Trung Palace is
located at the northernmost point of the axis running through the center of
the Forbidden City. The style of the palace is a fusion of European styles
including French architecture, Italian Renaissance architecture, and
traditional Vietnamese architecture. The facade of the palace is decorated
with colorful ceramic pieces. In front of the palace is a landscape garden,
with three dragon-covered stairs leading up to the palace steps. The main
floor has 13 porch doors: the middle compartment has 5 doors, the two
side compartments each have 3 doors, the two corners of the palace have
two more doors on each side that protrude completely. The upper floor is
the attic, made in the same format as the main floor. On top is a tiled roof
with railings decorated in Vietnamese style.
After the Nation Struggle Day, Kien Trung Palace was completely
destroyed at the same time with most of the monuments in the Imperial
City. The Kien Trung Palace that we are standing in, is being restored
based on the original structure.
Royal Library (Thái Bình Lâu)
Royal Library is the pavilion where the Emperor came for reading, rest
and relax. It is located in northeast of Forbidden Purple City.
The structure was commissioned by Emperor Khai Dinh in 1919 and
completed in 1921, a building was erected west of the Thieu Phuong
Garden (Garden of Lingering Aroma). The structure is a double building
coplex, consisting of a front hall, a main hall, and a rear hall. The roof of
front hall and main hall is covered with yellow-glazed yin-yang tiles,
lavishly decorated with beautiful motifs such as bats symbolizing the
Five Blessings, while the two ends of the roof ridge are adorned with
powerful images of confronting dragons.
The rear hall consists of three main compartments and two side wings,
with a roof covered in flat tiles. On both gable ends, there are embossed
decorations featuring the theme of 'Hai Oc Thiem Tru,' depicting three
elderly men extending birthday wishes to one another."
On the roof of Royal Library, the dragon is not holding a pearl as usual
architecture of Hue Imperial City, but a lotus flower instead, represents a
desire for peace and serenity, reflecting the meaning of “Thai Binh”
(Great Peace). Above the entrance are three characters reading “Thái
Bình Lâu” (Thai Binh Pavilion), and on either side are two inscriptions
composed by Emperor Khai Dinh himself.
Royal Library is the simple monument left undamaged in the Purple
Forbidden City after the reoccupation of Hue by French troops early in
1947.
Royal Theatre (Duyệt Thị Đường)
In front of you stands the Royal Theater (Duyet Thi Duong) – the only
surviving royal theater within the Forbidden Purple City of Hue. This was
once the stage for traditional court performances such as Nhã nhạc (Royal
Court Music), Tuồng (classical opera), and traditional dances, performed
exclusively for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and their royal
family.
Built in 1826 under Emperor Minh Mang, the theater has been restored
multiple times, yet still retains much of its original structure. You can still
see the double-roof design with glazed tiles, solid ironwood columns, and
a gold-lacquered interior separating the performance area from the royal
seating.
Opposite the stage is a two-tiered seating area: the upper floor, located
near the western wall, was reserved for the queen, concubines, and
maidservants; while the ground level featured a carved chair for the
emperor. These two levels were separated by a widely spaced bamboo
blind, allowing viewers behind it to watch the performances without
being seen. The building is connected with the royal living quarters by
snaky roofed galleries.
Duyet Thi Duong is the oldest traditional Vietnamese stage still in
existence. During the period of South Vietnamese administration, it
served as the campus of Hue’s Music College, which is now the Hue
College of Arts.
So if you have the chance, we highly recommend catching a short Nhã
nhạc (Royal Music) show right here.
6. Truong Sanh Palace
Facing east. TS pabre is located near the north west conner of the
Imperial Citadel, close to the back of Dien The Palace and the shore of
Noi Kim Thuy Lake
The site has a rectangular area, 126m long and 85m wide surrounded by
brick walls. Within the scope of Truong Sanh Palace there are about 10
main and secondary architectural works.
Truong Sanh palace was originally Truong Ninh garden, built in 1822,
under the king Minh Mang. The palace campus includes many works
such as the main hall, the black floor, the Xuyen Duong house, Di Chi
house, Vong Ho floor, Tuy An house, along with the palace gates, city
walls, ponds, wooden bridges, rocky moutains, forming a quiet and
peaceful space. In addition, near the palace there is also Ho Tam
communal house located on the side of Noi Kim Thuy lake.
The main gate of Truong Sanh palace, one of the special architectural
hightlights, imbued with the quintessence of the construction art of the
Nguyen Dynasty, the inscriptions on the gate is the name of the gate -
Truong An Gate
This is gate according to the traditional triangular architectural but has
been transformed, but still completely retains the traditional decorations:
Mai - Lạn - Cúc - Trúc 4 kinds of precious trees of VN: apricot, orchids,
chrysanthemums, cain and Long- Lân - Quy -Phung 4 spirit animals VN:
dragon, kylins, turtles, phoenixes.
Truong An Gate is considered one of the excellent works of porcelain
carving. Using the art of ceramic mosaic to replace all previous
traditional boat teachnologies such as mosaic carving on wood, paiting
with gold ...
Porcelain is a typical decorative metarial of the Nguyen Dynasty The
artisans use cold colors on a warm tone background to show the
femininity, elegance and discreetness of the Hue women, moreover, the
noble women of the royal court. The phoenix symbol appears mainly in
the decorative details in the plate palace, showing the nobility of the
maste, the residence of a queen.
In front of the palace we can see a creek called Dao Nguyen Creek, it
surrounds the palace and has bridges built across it, so that Truong Sanh
palace look like a small oasis.
There is a lake here, it is Tan Nguyet lake and has a moutain stone built
with rocky on the foundation of Vồ bricks, according to the architecture
of Quan Long Dai Hoi - 9 dragons gathered. Behind the mountain is a
screen with decorative images mainly of phoenixes, flowers and fruits, it
show the proliferation and development, harmony between humans and
nature.
This place like a miniature image of rivers and mountains. We can
imagine that this place used to have a very beautiful and poetic scenery.
Kinh Ming Mang built this place for his mother to come to walk and
relax, to have fun and prolong her life, the name Trường Ninh - with the
meaning of long term peace.
In 1845, the Nguyen when king Thiệu Trị had a grandson. The king's son,
Hồng Bảo had first son is Ung Phuc, creating the event of “ Tu Dai Dong
Duong” - five generations living under the same roof. To commemorate,
king Thieu Tri restored Truong Sanh palace and renamed the works, in
which the main building was called Ngũ Đại Đồng Đường. The project
includes Ngũ Đại house, Thọ khang palace, Vạn Phúc floor, connected by
a corridor in the shape of a king.
In 1886 under the reign of Emperor Đong Khanh, this palace was
renovated and transformed into a residence for lady lệ Thiên, it was the
first and only time that Truong Ninh palace changed its function- from a
peaceful retreat into a royal living space.
During the reign of Emperor Khải Định, in 1923, in preparation for the
Emperor's 40th Birthday Grand Celebration the following year, Trường
Ninh Palace was once again renovated and renamed Trường Sanh Palace,
meaning 'Longevity Palace'. During this period, Lady Tiên Cung Dương
Thị Thục – emperor Khai Dinh’s mother (1868–1944) resided here.
From 1962 to 1975, the buildings in Trường Sanh Palace were
repurposed into a workshop operated by artist Đỗ Kỳ Hoàng. Then, for a
long period after 1975, these buildings were used as the Bình Trị Thiên
printing house and residences for several government officials’ families.
Over nearly two centuries since its construction, Trường Sanh Palace has
undergone many transformations due to historical changes. Most of the
remaining relics are results of renovations made during Khải Định’s
reign, nearly 90 years ago. Although it was fortunate to escape the
ravages of war, over time, Trường Sanh Palace remains now as a
"vestique of time".
