Hue Imperial City: Where Nature, Spirituality, and Architecture Converge

As a person born in Hue to a native-born Hue mother, I have always felt an immense pride in this city, steeped in centuries-old customs and traditions

“Who turns to Hue

Who comes back to Ngu Mount

Who comes back to Perfume River

The river water never sinks

Ngu Mount birds fly back to friends

Whoever are children of Hue remember to return…”

Or you can listen to the original song here:

As a person born in Hue to a native-born Hue mother, I have always felt an immense pride in this city, steeped in centuries-old customs and traditions. The people of Hue are renowned not only for their gentle nature and royal heritage but also for their connection to a city that was once Vietnam’s Sacred Capital, rich with cultural and spiritual significance.

(Us visiting Hue Imperial City 10 years ago)

I still remember how the grandeur of the architecture immediately captivated my 5-year-old self when I first visited the Forbidden Purple City years ago. Holding my mom’s hand, I was completely mesmerized by the bizarre yet brilliant details of every piece of sculpture and design. It wasn’t until I delved deeper into Vietnamese culture that I began to understand, even if only partially, the purpose and intention behind such craftsmanship, all of which profoundly reflect our ancient beliefs and their enduring wisdom.

A city built in harmony with nature

When Emperor Gia Long began constructing the Hue Imperial City in 1804, he didn’t just commission a fortress; he envisioned a harmonious connection between human habitation and the natural world. This is the essence of Feng Shui, or "phong thủy" in Vietnamese, which translates to "wind and water."

Standing at the Ngo Mon Gate, the primary entrance to the citadel, I learned that the location of the city was no coincidence. The Perfume River flows gently in front, while Truong Son mountains rise protectively behind it. This "Mountain Hehind, River in Front (Thế tựa núi nhìn sông)" layout is a classic Feng Shui principle, symbolizing stability and abundance. It’s no wonder the Nguyen Dynasty thrived for over 140 years with such auspicious surroundings.

The citadel faces south, a direction symbolising vitality, warmth, and prosperity in Vietnamese and East Asian traditions. This orientation aligns the emperor, the “Son of Heaven,” with the cosmic order, connecting his rule to the harmony of the universe.

The sacred geometry of power

Although my grandparents' house is located right next to the Hue Citadel (Kinh Thành), it wasn't until recently that I fully appreciated its exact scale and perfect symmetry, something that is truly mind-blowing.

The citadel is structured as three nested enclosures: the Hue Citadel (Kinh Thành), the Imperial City (Hoàng Thành), and the Forbidden Purple City (Tử Cấm Thành). This concentric design not only served as a practical defense mechanism but also symbolized layers of access to power and authority.

At the heart lies the Forbidden Purple City, where the emperor and his family resided. Its central placement reflects the emperor’s role as the pivot of the universe. Surrounding it are administrative buildings, temples, and gardens, each meticulously arranged to balance the forces of yin (passive energy) and yang (active energy).

The Ngo Mon Gate is another masterpiece of symbolism, featuring five entrances. The middle path was reserved only for the emperor, while mandarins, soldiers, and commoners passed through the side entrances. This division wasn’t just practical; it reinforced the social hierarchy essential to Confucian values.

A spiritual connection

The Hue Imperial City is not only a political-administrative center but also a spiritual haven. Major temples are dedicated to Confucius and to their ancestors from the Nguyen clan, dotting this city with respect.

One highlight for me was the The Mieu Temple Complex, where past emperors are honored. Unlike the Beijing Palace in China where the worship place is placed outside of the construction, the Temple is built right inside the Hue Imperial City with other four constructions along the main axis.

Mieu Temple is constructed based on Feng Shui principles, ensuring that it is in harmony with nature and the spiritual forces. The history of the Nguyen Dynasty really came alive for me in the midst of burning incense and soft chants.

Preserving a legacy

Today, Hue Imperial City stands as a testament to both Vietnam’s architectural and cultural pride. Though worn by time and war, restoration efforts continue to keep it beautiful. Walking through the remains and renovated parts, I couldn't help but respect the visionary lot who built this citadel and also the craftsmen who translated the vision into reality.

For me, the Hue Imperial City is more than a home or a historical site; it’s a dear reminder of Vietnamese traditions. Its harmonious design deeply reflects our life philosophy that true greatness comes from living in balance—with nature, with others, and with ourselves.