Hue Imperial City: Exploring Hue’s Premier Historical Landmark
If you travel to Hue, don’t miss the opportunity to experience and explore the Hue Imperial City – a historical symbol of Vietnam’s golden age during the feudal period. This site is part of the ancient capital, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled for 140 years, from 1805 to 1945.
Overview of the Hue Imperial City
In 1805, Gia Long, the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, decided to build the Hue Imperial City, establishing it as the capital of his new dynasty. After 28 years, in 1833, the construction was completed during Emperor Minh Mang’s reign, featuring magnificent palaces and grand architectural structures.
In 1945, the Hue Imperial City became the focal point of a historic event as the Hue Royal Palace hosted the first abdication ceremony of the Empire of Vietnam, marking the end of the Nguyen Dynasty. In 1993, the Hue Imperial City was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, honoring its historical and cultural significance in Vietnam’s history.
Architecturally, the Hue Imperial City boasts many unique features that showcase the classical and regal beauty of the Nguyen Dynasty. It includes:
- Royal Palaces: Featuring palaces such as the Palace of Supreme Harmony, Hien Lam Pavilion, Kham Thien Palace, and many other historic structures, these palaces exude a sense of grandeur, elegance, and uniqueness.
- Classical Vietnamese Architecture: The architecture of the Hue Imperial City often represents the harmonious blend of classical Vietnamese elements, such as the geometric shapes of the gates, curved arches, and traditional motifs.
The Hue Imperial City has a total of 13 gates: 10 outer gates, 1 inner gate, and 2 waterway gates. A tour around these gates reveals the grandeur and fortitude of these entrances, which were designed as defensive fortresses.
Read more: 7 Top Tourist Attractions in Hue city
How to Get to the Hue Imperial City
The Hue Imperial City is located north of the Perfume River, right in the heart of Hue city. This convenient location makes it easy to reach by various means of transportation, including bicycles, motorbikes, cyclos, electric cars, and taxis.
If you are traveling by motorbike or personal car, you can start from the city center and reach the Imperial City by following the southern bank of the Perfume River. Cross the Phu Xuan Bridge and continue onto Le Duan Street. Then, turn right onto Cua Quang Duc Street, cross the bridge, and continue on to 23/8 Street. From there, turn right to arrive at the Hue Imperial City.
The Best Time to Visit the Hue Imperial City
Hue’s weather primarily consists of two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from March to August, with hot weather and temperatures ranging from 35 to 40°C (95 to 104°F). From August to January, Hue experiences its rainy season, with temperatures averaging between 18 and 20°C (64 to 68°F).
The most beautiful time to visit Hue is in the spring (from January to the end of February), when the weather is warm and sunny during the day and cool and crisp at night. Autumn in Hue (from September to November) offers a charming scene with streets blooming with purple crape myrtles and golden-flame trees.
What to See in the Hue Imperial City
Within the Hue Imperial City, the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City are collectively known as the “Dai Noi.” The Imperial Citadel was built to protect the most important ceremonial, political, and religious institutions of the court. The Forbidden Purple City, meanwhile, served as the working, living, and daily residence of the emperor and his family.
The Imperial Citadel
The second defensive wall of the Hue Imperial City, the Imperial Citadel, was designed as the residence of the emperor and the royal family, as well as the administrative center of the court. It was also the place for worshiping the ancestors and the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Construction of this area began in 1804 under Emperor Gia Long and was completed in 1833 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang.
The Imperial Citadel has four gates, with the main gate being Ngo Mon (Meridian Gate). Inside, there are many significant structures, including the Palace of Supreme Harmony (Dien Thai Hoa), Dien Tho Residence, and Hien Lam Pavilion.
Ngo Mon – A Distinctive Historical Landmark of Hue
Located on the southern side of the Imperial City, Ngo Mon is the main gate of the Imperial Citadel and a complex, grand architectural masterpiece. When viewed from a distance, it appears like a magnificent castle with an impressive system of stone steps leading to the Five Phoenix Pavilion.
This gate was the entrance for the Nguyen Dynasty’s officials and was also the site for important royal ceremonies. Today, Ngo Mon is a must-see check-in spot for visitors exploring the Hue Imperial City.
The Palace of Supreme Harmony – Symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Power
Situated within the Hue Imperial City, the Palace of Supreme Harmony was the coronation site for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is considered the heart of the Imperial City and the nation, symbolizing the authority of the Nguyen royal court. Together with the courtyard, the palace was the venue for the court’s most significant ceremonies.
The Forbidden Purple City
The innermost enclosure of the Imperial Citadel, previously known as the Imperial City, was constructed in 1803. It was officially named the Forbidden Purple City in 1821, during the second year of Emperor Minh Mang’s reign. The Forbidden Purple City is designed in a rectangular shape, with its front entrance being the Great Palace Gate (Dai Cung Mon).
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for the Hue Imperial City
Opening Hours
The opening and closing times for tourist sites are as follows:
- From March 16th to October 15th: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- From October 16th to March 15th (following year): 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Ticket sales for visitors are available at these times:
- From March 16th to October 15th: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- From October 16th to March 15th: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices
To visit the Hue Imperial City, you need to purchase a ticket. Prices vary depending on the sites you plan to visit. Here is a price reference:
- Adults: Ranging from 50,000 VND to 530,000 VND per person
- Children: Free to 100,000 VND per person
We recommend opting for a combo ticket, which offers access to more sites at a better price.
If you visit Hue, you should not miss the chance to explore Hoi An, an ancient town located very close to Hue. See: Hoi An, Vietnam: 15 Places to Visit & Things to Know
A Few Tips for Visiting the Hue Imperial City
To have the best experience during your visit, keep in mind a few important things when exploring the Hue Imperial City:
- Dress Respectfully: As the Imperial City is a cultural and historical site of great value, it is important to wear respectful attire. Avoid revealing or inappropriate clothing.
- Follow the Site Regulations: Adhere to the rules and guidelines at each site, such as refraining from touching artifacts, not taking unauthorized photos, maintaining cleanliness, avoiding noise, and refraining from playful behavior in sacred areas.
- Consult the Map: This is a tip shared by many visitors. Study the map in advance, plan your route, and identify the points of interest to save time when moving around.
The Hue Imperial City is not only a famous historical site of Hue but also a symbol of Vietnam’s royal heritage and cultural excellence. With its unique, sophisticated architecture and diverse cultural legacy, the Hue Imperial City continues to attract and captivate visitors from all over the world.
