Hue: Ancient imperial city
The city of Hue is undoubtly one charged of History.
Its central position led it to be considered by Nguyen dynasty as an ideal place to establish a feudal regime capable of controlling the many warlords then-present. This ultimately led to the unification of Vietnam, under emperor Gia Long, in 1802. At this point Hue became the capital-city of a united, peaceful Vietnam.
In 1945, after emperor Bao Dai capitulated, the city lost its prominence. New capital cities were proclaimed in the North (Hanoi) and in the South (Saigon), crystallizing a rift and setting the stage for the succeeding french and american wars.
The combats and bombings that took place there left the city severely damaged and many monuments were partly or totally destroyed. However, due to its importance to national history and its touristical potential, the citadel as well as many other tombs got renewed from the seventies onward. As a recognition of this exceptionnal architecture and patrimoine, the city was included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage in 1993.
When travelling the coutry, one should not bypass this masterpiece of Vietnamese culture. Many means of transport can bring you there. Daily flight are available from HCM-city or Hanoi, as well as trains and private buses. One can get all the necessary arrangments in many travel agencies in Vietnam.
Among the many attractions, the Imperial Citadel worth several hours of visit by itself. One should not miss the imperial dances, presented twice a day, inside a wonderfully restored building. For a modest entrance fee, you would admire the beauty of the songs played in live, as well as the grace of the dancers.
Several sites located outside the city should be considered as well. Tombs of Khai Minh and Minh Mang are probably the most popular of ancient emperors and are located along the perfume river, only 10 kilometers from the city center. The demilitarized zone is also to visit for whoever got enough time.
Finally, the quality of Hue's food specialties is to be mentionned. Its originality can easily be found in dishes such as "bun bo hue" (noodle and beef soup) as well as "me xung", literally meaning sesame candy.
Hue is definitively a place of great interest. It worth a closer look for whoever wants to discover rich History, wonderfull imperial monuments as well as tasty cuisine.
Its central position led it to be considered by Nguyen dynasty as an ideal place to establish a feudal regime capable of controlling the many warlords then-present. This ultimately led to the unification of Vietnam, under emperor Gia Long, in 1802. At this point Hue became the capital-city of a united, peaceful Vietnam.
In 1945, after emperor Bao Dai capitulated, the city lost its prominence. New capital cities were proclaimed in the North (Hanoi) and in the South (Saigon), crystallizing a rift and setting the stage for the succeeding french and american wars.
The combats and bombings that took place there left the city severely damaged and many monuments were partly or totally destroyed. However, due to its importance to national history and its touristical potential, the citadel as well as many other tombs got renewed from the seventies onward. As a recognition of this exceptionnal architecture and patrimoine, the city was included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage in 1993.
When travelling the coutry, one should not bypass this masterpiece of Vietnamese culture. Many means of transport can bring you there. Daily flight are available from HCM-city or Hanoi, as well as trains and private buses. One can get all the necessary arrangments in many travel agencies in Vietnam.
Among the many attractions, the Imperial Citadel worth several hours of visit by itself. One should not miss the imperial dances, presented twice a day, inside a wonderfully restored building. For a modest entrance fee, you would admire the beauty of the songs played in live, as well as the grace of the dancers.
Several sites located outside the city should be considered as well. Tombs of Khai Minh and Minh Mang are probably the most popular of ancient emperors and are located along the perfume river, only 10 kilometers from the city center. The demilitarized zone is also to visit for whoever got enough time.
Finally, the quality of Hue's food specialties is to be mentionned. Its originality can easily be found in dishes such as "bun bo hue" (noodle and beef soup) as well as "me xung", literally meaning sesame candy.
Hue is definitively a place of great interest. It worth a closer look for whoever wants to discover rich History, wonderfull imperial monuments as well as tasty cuisine.
posted by McJanus at 10:45 PM
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