The tomb of Emperor Tu Duc is one of the most spectacular construction of royal architecture during the Nguyen dynasty. Located in the heart of a pine forest, the complex is enclosed by walls, in which consists of approximately 50 small and big scale constructions scattered in groups at different heights.
Resemble a grand park, the tomb consists of two main parts located in two parallel axes. Regards to Feng Shui elements, Giang Khiem mount and Duong Xuan mount respectively serves as Tien An and Hau Cham (well-covered the front and the back); in the centre, Luu Khiem lake serves as Minh Duong (a patch of ground or a small pond in front of the house, welcoming natural light).
Followed by Vu Khiem Gate is Luu Khiem Lake. Floated on the lake, Xung Khiem and Du Khiem houses were once the King’s favourite place to admire flower, compose poem and read book. Walking on Tam Cap (the stone three-step-stair) to Khiem Cung Gate, there comes Hoa Khiem palace which is the used-to-be working place of Emperor Tu Duc. Today, Hoa Khiem palace is the worship place. Luong Khiem palace was the resting place of the Emperor, later, it becomes the altar devoted to Madam Tu Du, the mother of Emperor Tu Duc. The group of On Khiem hall, Luong Khiem palace and Minh Khiem theater lie right next to it. Especially, Minh Khiem theater is recognised as the oldest theater preserved today.
Bi Dinh (the stele pavilion) is the biggest stone stele carved the Khiem Cung dairy of Emperor Tu Duc, in which written about life, career along with his mistakes. Buu Thanh, the brick citadel is where Emperor Tu Duc rests in peace, situated on the middle of the hill.
Photo
Trieu Chien
Location
Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city
Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam
Editor
Ha Thu Pham
