Bài đọc 2
The Imperial City of Hue was the political centre of Vietnam for more than a century and a half, from 1802 to 1945, when it served as the capital of the Nguyen dynasty. Located on the north bank of the Perfume River, it is today one of the country's most visited historical sites.
Construction of the citadel began in 1804 under Emperor Gia Long and was completed in 1833 under his son, Emperor Minh Mang. The project required enormous effort. Tens of thousands of workers were brought from different provinces to dig moats, build walls and move huge amounts of earth and stone. The outer wall stretches for about ten kilometres and is surrounded by a wide moat that once served as a defence against attack.
The design of the city followed the principles of feng shui and the traditions of eastern architecture. Its main gate faces south, towards the river and a small hill called Ngu Binh, which acts as a natural screen. Inside the citadel lies the Imperial City, where the government offices and ceremonial halls were located, and inside that is the Forbidden Purple City, which was reserved for the emperor, his family and their servants. Ordinary people were not allowed to enter, and anyone who did so without permission could be severely punished.
Among the most famous buildings is the Thai Hoa Palace, where important ceremonies such as coronations took place. Its roof is supported by dozens of red lacquered columns decorated with golden dragons, a symbol of the emperor's power. Nearby, the Ngo Mon Gate, with its five entrances, was used by the emperor on important occasions; the central entrance was for him alone.
Unfortunately, much of the city was damaged during the wars of the twentieth century, and many buildings were completely destroyed. In 1993 UNESCO recognised the Complex of Hue Monuments as a World Heritage Site, and since then a long programme of restoration has been carried out. Craftsmen use traditional techniques and materials to rebuild palaces and gates as closely as possible to their original appearance.
Today visitors can walk through the gates once reserved for emperors, watch traditional court music performances and imagine the busy, colourful life of the royal court.