Cloud hunting on Hai Van peak

Hai Van Pass, also known as "Thien ha de nhat hung quan", is a complex of military structures and fortifications built on the top of Hai Van Mountain, on the ancient north-south highway. The book Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi records: "Hai Van Mountain is the border between Quang Nam and Thua Thien provinces. Previously, the border in Thach Ban and the north of the pass was engraved on wooden markers. When the gate was built on the pass, it was determined that from the gate to the north was under the jurisdiction of Thua Thien province, and from the gate to the south was under the jurisdiction of Quang Nam province."

Hai Van Quan architectural complex after restoration

Hai Van Quan relic was built in 1826, is a military fortification guarding the top of Hai Van pass, now located on the border between Thua Thien-Hue province and Da Nang city.

The project was built at an altitude of more than 496 m above sea level, including a cluster of fortifications, including the main gate facing Da Nang City. On the front main gate are 3 Chinese characters "Hai Van Quan", behind are 6 large Chinese characters "Thien ha de nhat hung quan" (the most majestic pass under the sky).

Hai Van Quan is carved on the Du Dinh.

According to historical documents, the gate was built in the 7th year of Minh Mang (1826), initially there was a permanent guard and a marine soldier, who changed shifts every month. In the 17th year of Minh Mang (1836), there were two guards, who changed shifts every month, and the marine soldiers changed shifts every 15 days. The court also issued "Flag Drawings" of foreign countries for easy monitoring; binoculars were provided to observe the distant sea, and if a foreign ship entered Da Nang seaport, it was necessary to notify this gate in advance.

Hai Van Quan is also engraved on Du Dinh, one of the nine bronze cauldrons symbolizing the unification of the Nguyen Dynasty, currently located in front of The Mieu Temple, Hue Ancient Capital. Hai Van Quan relic was ranked as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2017. The relics on Hai Van Quan have just been restored and opened to visitors by the People's Committees of Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, becoming important relics and attractive destinations.

"THE BOUNDARY" OF THE CLOUDS

For young people and backpackers, conquering Hai Van Pass on days when the weather changes is an indescribable experience when you can reach out and touch the misty clouds.

Young people hunt clouds on Hai Van Pass

At the changing of seasons, Hai Van Pass is covered with white clouds. This dreamy yet real scene, like a paradise on earth, has become a destination for young people in Hue and Da Nang, to touch the magical moments of nature.

The trend of cloud hunting on Hai Van peak appeared in recent years and has quickly become a trend among young people. The time of cloud hunting in the year takes place at the moment of the transition between late autumn and early winter. Hai Van pass at this time becomes a place where the sky is covered in mist at dawn and late afternoon. The misty white clouds carry the cold air and are blown by the wind through the top of the pass, creating a surreal space. Sometimes two people stand only a few steps apart, but when the clouds pass, they can no longer see each other.

Panoramic view of Hai Van Pass, looking towards Da Nang City

At the top of the pass, when the clouds cover the sky, young people can capture impressive images. Not only the landscape, but now the shops on the top of the pass have also "quickly" created poetic check-in spots. Just stop by the shop, enjoy a hot cup of coffee for 20,000 VND and you can freely check-in the scenery with a beautiful view.

Right in the middle of the pass on days when the weather changes, if we are lucky, we can also see the boundary line of nature drawn right in the middle of the road, dividing the two different climate zones of the north and south. That is on low pressure days, when cold air from the north flows in, on the top of the pass right in the middle of the road, nature has cleverly drawn a straight line, dividing the boundary between the two sides. On the side of Thua Thien-Hue, it is cold and wet, while the south of Da Nang City is dry and strangely clear. As for the sky, the north of Hai Van Pass is covered in mist, while the south looking towards Da Nang City is clear and cloudy.

Those who are lucky enough to witness this moment during the cloud hunting trip will have interesting experiences about the wonders of nature. Hai Van Pass is a wonder of the earth and sky that the ancients cleverly named "Thien ha de nhat hung quan". Hopefully, with the Hai Van Quan project having been restored, this place will become an attractive destination on the Central heritage journey. (continued)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-ngon-nui-thieng-san-may-tren-dinh-hai-van-185240911225244073.htm