Hue Imperial City: Explore a complex of royal relics with timeless beauty

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Hue Imperial City represents the golden age of the Nguyen Dynasty (Source: Collected)

Hue Imperial City represents the golden age of the Nguyen Dynasty, featuring a magnificent system of royal palaces. It has since become a must-visit tourist destination for both local and international visitors. This article will provide an in-depth guide to the ancient capital, ensuring a complete and unforgettable sightseeing experience when tourists explore Hue.

1. Overview of Hue Imperial City – a must-see attraction in Hue

Hue Imperial City, also known as Thuan Hoa Imperial City, is situated by the picturesque Perfume River. The ancient capital is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, featuring a distinct architectural style that makes it a highlight of Hue.

1.1. History

In 1802, immediately after unifying the country and ascending to the throne, Emperor Gia Long – the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty – chose Hue as the site to construct the imperial city. At that time, people only traveled by elephants and horses, so the emperor believed that the capital should be situated at the center of the country for convenient transportation and communication. 

After that was the planning of the Imperial City of Hue. Construction commenced in the summer of 1805. Emperor Gia Long and the high-ranking officials of the Nguyen Dynasty undertook the entire location survey process. The imperial city complex was completed in 1832, under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang.

Emperor Gia Long chose Hue as the capital city after unifying the country (Source: Collected)

1.2. Architecture

Imperial City Hue Vietnam, situated on the northern bank of Perfume River, covers an expansive area of 520 hectares. To embody the sentiment from the Book of Changes, “The wise person faces south to hear the world” (meaning the king must be in tune with the people he rules), all the architectural structures within the complex face towards the south.

The rampart that encircles the complex stretches almost 10 kilometers long, stands 6.6 meters tall, and is 21 meters thick. The rampart is curved and fortified, covering evenly spaced fortresses. Surrounding the rampart is a system of rivers and moats that serve both as a defense and waterway transportation system. The citadel is home to ten main gates:

• North Gate (Hau Gate)
• West-North Gate (An Hoa Gate)
• West Gate
• West-South Gate (Huu Gate)
• South Gate (Nha Do Gate)
• Quang Duc Gate
• The Nhon Gate (Ngan Gate)
• East-South Gate (Thuong Tu Gate)
• East Gate (Dong Ba Gate)
• East-North Gate (Ke Trai Gate)

Apart from the ten main gates, Hue Imperial City also has the minor Tran Binh Mon Gate and two water gates, Dong Thanh Thuy Quan and Tay Thanh Thuy Quan. To avoid getting lost, you should see the map below:

Hue Imperial City map (Source: Collected)

2. The special structure of Hue Imperial City and its highlights

2.1. Imperial Citadel

The Imperial Citadel (Hoang Thanh) is the second citadel located within Hue Imperial City, with a system of palaces and more than 100 large and small structures surrounded by four gates on all sides. The primary entrance, Ngo Mon, is situated in the South and was constructed in the 14th year of Emperor Minh Mang’s reign in 1834. Notably, several typical structures are located within the Imperial Citadel area:

• Thai Hoa Palace was where royal ceremonies such as coronations, the emperor’s birthday anniversaries, and receptions of envoys took place.
• Dinh Mieu Palaces houses ancestral temples arranged where the ancestors and emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty are worshiped.
• The Internal Affairs Palace was responsible for storing the property of the royal families.
• Co Ha Garden is one of the five upper gardens within Hoang Thanh, serving as a place for princes to study and entertain.

Hoang Thanh is the second citadel located within Hue Imperial City (Source: Collected)

2.2. Forbidden City

The Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh) served as the private residence of the Nguyen Dynasty’s emperors during their reign from 1802 to 1945. The citadel was specifically designed to be a secluded area, inaccessible to the general public, and only accessible to the emperors, the royal families, and selected officials. The Forbidden City was also intended to be a place of spiritual importance, as it housed the private shrines where the emperors performed their religious rituals.

Today, the Forbidden City is a popular tourist attraction and an important cultural heritage site in Vietnam. The citadel underwent extensive restoration work after being heavily damaged during the Indochina Wars. The restoration work was carried out using traditional techniques and materials, and many of the original structures were restored to their former glory. Visitors can now explore the various landmarks within the Forbidden City, including Thai Hoa Palace, Hien Lam Pavilion, and Tu Phuong Vo Su Pavilion, among others.

The Forbidden Purple City (Source: Collected)

2.3. Other historical relics

Hue Citadel comprises not only the notable edifices of Hue Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City but also a plethora of invaluable historical relics. Among them is the Flag Tower, an imposing structure situated near the south bank of Perfume River that served as a military observation post. The Imperial Academy is another impressive site within the citadel, once the highest educational institution of the Nguyen Dynasty and responsible for educating the country’s scholars and mandarins.

Another notable attraction is the Royal Library, built in 1824 to house a vast collection of royal literature and documents. Xa Tac Esplanade, previously used for public ceremonies, now attracts tourists for its stunning views and photo opportunities. Meanwhile, the Nine Dynastic Urns are significant landmarks, cast between 1835 and 1837 to commemorate the Nguyen Dynasty’s rule. All of these historical and cultural treasures within the Hue Citadel continue to captivate visitors from all over the globe.

Hue Citadel is home to a wealth of invaluable historical relics (Source: Collected)

3. Hue Imperial City entrance fee and opening hours

Hue Imperial City entrance fee is as follows:

• Adults: 200,000 VND
• Children (7-12 years old): 40,000 VND

Visitors can also opt for a guided tour, which will charge an extra 150,000 VND per guide.

Hue Imperial City opening hours differ between summer and winter:

• Summer: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Winter: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

4. Things to do on your sightseeing tour to Hue Imperial City

4.1. Learn about important historical events of Vietnam

To make the most of your Hue Imperial City tour, make sure to take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore significant historical events through the VR (virtual reality) service. The vivid images on display showcase the daily activities and rituals that occurred within Hue Imperial Palace of the Nguyen Dynasty centuries ago.

4.2. Explore the royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Emperors

The tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s emperors are remarkable representations of feng shui principles, designed with the arrangement of rivers, mountains, lakes, and ponds taken into careful consideration.

The complex comprises two distinct parts: the tomb, where the emperor’s remains are kept, and the temple, which features an impressive array of pavilions, halls, and palaces. Even in their lifetimes, the emperors would often retreat to these serene sanctuaries to relax and indulge in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings. 

Each tomb and temple showcases a unique and exceptional artistic style, making them a truly remarkable architectural achievement that should not be missed during your visit.

The tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s emperors are remarkable representations of feng shui principles (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Khai Dinh Tomb – the last imperial tomb built in Hue!

4.3. Admire precious royal treasures

Hue Imperial Antiquities Museum houses a magnificent collection of ancient imperial artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, including silver sets, tables and chairs, pedestals, trays, gilded chopsticks, and washbasins. These treasures offer a glimpse into the architecture and art of the feudal era, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Hue’s rich cultural heritage.

4.4. Enjoy Hue Royal Court Music

Visitors to Hue Imperial City can indulge in the enchanting sounds of court music performances at Duyet Thi Duong. This former royal theater offers tourists a variety of performances, including court dances, royal court music, and traditional dramas. The performances are skillfully choreographed and performed.

Hue Royal Court Music was recognized by UNESCO as the first Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

4.5. Take stunning photos with historical costumes

Step back in time and embody the roles of an emperor, empress, prince, princess, or concubine through the souvenir photo services and costume rentals offered in Hue Imperial City Vietnam. This is a must-try experience favored by many tourists during their trip to the ancient city.

5. The complete Hue Imperial City guide for your upcoming trip

5.1. The best time to visit the Imperial City of Hue

During spring (from January to February), Hue is at its most beautiful. The weather is perfect with warm sunshine, refreshing air, and cool nights. In addition, autumn (from September to November) is also a beautiful time to visit, with streets adorned with blooming purple lilies and yellow phoenix flowers.

5.2. The best direction to get to the Imperial City of Hue

There are several means of transportation to reach Hue, including bus, plane, or train, with ticket prices ranging from 300,000 VND to over 1,000,000 VND. Once in Hue, you can easily take a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi to cross the iconic Phu Xuan Bridge and continue through Cua Ngan to reach the enchanting Hue Imperial City.

5.3. Important things to note for your tour

During your Hue Imperial City walking tour, keep the following in mind:

• Dress appropriately: As this is a cultural heritage site, follow the Imperial City Hue dress code and avoid revealing clothing.
• Follow the regulations at each site: don’t touch the exhibits, don’t litter, avoid making loud noises, and show respect at sacred areas
• Refer to the map: check the points of interest and determine the route to avoid wasting time

For a complete travel experience, it is recommended to add Da Nang and Hoi An to your itinerary after visiting Hue, as these three destinations are in close proximity to each other. In Da Nang, you can explore stunning architectural masterpieces such as the Dragon Bridge and the Indochina Riverside Tower. Meanwhile, Hoi An offers a chance to partake in the history and culture of the ancient town and relax on the scenic Cua Dai Beach. 

A Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An tour will give you many enjoyable moments in Central Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Those looking for an exciting adventure can also book tickets to VinWonders Nam Hoi An – a leading amusement park in Central Vietnam. It offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Built on an incredibly large scale, the park comprises five distinct subdivisions:

• Harbor Corner brings to life the poetic ambiance of the town while highlighting its history of international integration.
• The Island of Folk Culture offers visitors a chance to experience the crafts, customs, and practices of the three regions while also honoring traditional values.
• Water World is the perfect destination for those seeking exhilarating moments with its colorful water slides.
• River Safari provides an opportunity to explore the rich ecosystem of flora and fauna along the riverbank.
• Adventure Land is a must-visit for those seeking thrilling games that will make their hearts skip a beat.

Don’t miss out on VinWonders Nam Hoi An – the leading amusement park in Vietnam

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Located on the picturesque Non Nuoc Beach, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Da Nang flawlessly merges state-of-the-art architecture with breathtaking natural surroundings to deliver an unforgettable vacation experience.

In addition, if you are looking to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, you can opt for a round of world-class golf at Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An or indulge in a luxurious stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hoi An, both offering easy access to Hoi An. 

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Hue Imperial City‘s ancient, magnificent, and majestic beauty, combined with its harmonious and refined atmosphere, make it an irresistible destination for all travelers. Come and immerse yourself in this historical heritage site and experience all it has to offer.

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