On the first days of the new year, let's go around and discover Hue Imperial City. This is my hometown where is a famous destination imbued with Vietnamese history. Hue city used to be the old capital of feudalism that as known has many unique architectural works such as the palace, mausoleum, and the strange natural beauty.
Some details about the history of the formation
Hue is the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 which is the final Dynasty in VietNam's history. The construction work started from 1805 to 1832 and this is the construction said to be the largest scale was build in nearly 30 years. And now Hue Imperial City is one of the relics that belong to The Complex of Hue Monuments, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.
Architecturally, The citadel consists of three interlocking ramparts from outside to inside, there are all 13 doors around with the moat system and many other architectural works. In addition, the construction site is said to be in spiritual harmony with the majestic natural scenery.
You can see a larger square with Vietnam's national flag, green lawns, and hundred-year-old trees from here.
Ancient tourist destination
All of the structures have a long history and were affected by wars but many of them are still quite intact, they contain great values about the spirit and national identity of Vietnam. Come with me to visit the historical sites along with different stories in this place.
Hue Flag Tower ( Vietnamese mean "Kỳ Đài")
The first place I stopped was Hue Flag Tower in the middle of the entrance to the castle. This is a symbol of Hue city, you can see it both inside and outside the citadel or furthermore. Hue Flag Tower was built as a solid wall that consisted of 3 steps from the bottom in the shape of a ladder, around the walls were placed defensive cannons and the top of the tower hung the national flag of Vietnam. This is seen as a symbol of military stability as well as the growing development of a dynasty.
Now, this is a famous destination for tourism and one of the entertainment areas for younger and residents in Hue city.
Meridian Gate ( Vietnamese mean "Ngọ Môn")
Meridian Gate is a gate to enter the final citadel which is called the forbidden citadel (Vietnamese mean "Tử Cấm Thành"). This is a special architectural work that still preserves many values of the cultural imperial court. Stepping inside will be the place of luxurious and magnificent palaces along with a moats system, gardens, working, dining, and living of the Royal Family. There is a lot of tourism from inside and outside the country that comes here to visit every year mainly looking at the massive architectural work and the beautiful scenes in Hue city.
Look at the left and right sides of the citadel are displayed artillery pieces called Nine Holy Cannons (Vietnamese mean "Cửu Vị Thần Công"). They were placed in front of two gates to the inside of the citadel and are named cording to the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and five elements Metal, Wood, Water, Earth. All of them are cast in bronze and put on display as a souvenir.
Some main entrance and exit gates of Hue citadel
From the square in front of Meridian Gate, you can see two main entrances on the left and right of the Hue Flag Tower. With the architecture of an arc and a narrow road, when I look at it from the outside I feel like there is something mysterious and pull me in to explore this citadel.
Outside the gate of the citadel is the main road bordering the Huong River that is the largest river of Hue city. The scenery here is so beautiful with a lot of trees and green parks and some other architectural work. I had to walk a long distance to go outside the citadel to have some beautiful photos in this area.
We visit places and observe the old architecture, it seems that Hue Imperial City has remained forever for hundreds of years, these architectures don't seem to fade with the harsh weather in this land. So that Hue city said to be the place to keep the beauties of the oldest Royal Palace ever since.
Streets inside the Citadel
This is a point that makes me feel most interesting, I walked around the roads here to take a lot of photos. The streets on the citadel have rows of green trees extending from start to finish. You can walk on the sidewalk and admire the beautiful scenery, along with a cool and fresh atmosphere. I think it's so wonderful to see the sunlight of the early morning on these roads.
Some another destination outside the citadel
Truong Tien Bridge
Crossing the romantic Huong River, Truong Tien bridge connects the South and North banks of Hue city and this is also a famous symbol when telling about the city.
You can walk on the bridge or Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian street to look at the beauty of Huong River and some scenes on two side banks.
Quoc Hoc High school
Quoc Hoc high school is one of the most beautiful schools in Vietnam, the school is known as a place to train talented people in the land of central Vietnam.
Some other photos in Hue city
Above are the famous tourist destinations in Hue city that I visit on the first day of the new year. The poetic beauties of nature and people here are the most memorable things that I often hear from tourists. Hue is a land rich in history and natural beauty. Besides, Royal cuisine is also a great thing for many people who visit Hue city. I hope that through this article you will have a new option for yourself when planning a trip coming in the spring.
