Hue Ancient Capital - Land of Heritage

The Hue Imperial Citadel complex is located along both banks of the Perfume River in Hue City and some surrounding areas in Thua Thien Hue Province. It served as the cultural, political , and economic center of the province, and was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. With its global significance, the Hue Imperial Citadel complex became Vietnam's first cultural heritage site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.

The citadel system here is a prime example of the harmonious and seamless blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, set in a stunning natural landscape with many naturally occurring symbolic elements that are implicitly considered parts of the Hue Imperial City – namely, Ngu Binh Mountain, the Perfume River, Gia Vien islet, Boc Thanh islet… The Imperial City is enclosed by a nearly square wall, each side measuring approximately 600m, with four gates, the most unique of which is often taken as a symbol of the ancient capital: Ngo Mon Gate, which was the supreme administrative area of the Nguyen dynasty. Throughout all three citadels, the Sacred Path, running from the Perfume River bank, features the most important architectural structures of the Hue Imperial City, such as Nghinh Luong Dinh, Phu Van Lau, Ky Dai, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Can Chanh Palace, and Can Thanh Palace... On both sides of this Sacred Path are hundreds of large and small architectural structures arranged symmetrically and regularly, interspersed with trees and plants, appearing and disappearing amidst the colors of nature.

Located far to the west of the Imperial City, yet situated on both banks of the Perfume River, the tombs of the Nguyen emperors are considered achievements of landscape architecture. The tomb architecture here possesses a completely unique Vietnamese style. Each Nguyen emperor's tomb reflects the life and personality of its resting place: the Minh Mang tomb, majestic and symmetrical amidst the mountains, lakes, and ponds, skillfully crafted, clearly reveals the grand ambitions of a talented politician and the dignified character of a disciplined poet; the Thieu Tri tomb, solemn and profound, is both melancholic and somber in the desolate countryside; the Tu Duc tomb is poetic and lyrical...

In addition, other landmarks that enhance the beauty of the Hue Imperial Citadel complex include: the Perfume River, Ngu Mountain, Thien Mu Pagoda, Bach Ma Mountain Range, Lang Co Beach, Thuan An Beach, Ru Cha mangrove forest, etc.

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