Beautiful Photos of Hue, Vietnam's Lost Imperial City
![Hue is home to a plethora of intricate imperial structures, such as the Meridian Gate](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0022-7.webp)
From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of Vietnam and home to the Nguyen dynasty. After the Vietnam War, Hue’s unique history fell to ruin as the imperial era wasn’t viewed favourably by the communist authorities. These days, however, the temples and landmarks of the city are national treasures, attracting millions of visitors every year.
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The Citadel
By far the focal point of tourism in Hue, the Citadel is a sprawling complex on the northern side of the Perfume River, and within its deep moat and imposing walls are the courts, temples, gardens and pavilions of the Imperial City.
![Hue’s Imperial Citadel is a must-visit historical site in the city](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0033-10.webp)
Meridian Gate
For most, this gate – also known as the South Gate – will be where you start your tour of the Imperial City. It was built in 1833 by emperor Minh Mạng and was used as a place from which to view ceremonies and troop movements. The five entrances you can see in the photo below are sized according to the status of the person allowed to enter through them: the middle and largest was for the emperor; the two smaller ones off the centre were for mandarins, soldiers and horses; and the two arched entrances facing inward were for the common people.
![Meridian Gate is a popular photo spot in Hue](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0022-7.webp)
![Meridian Gate tends to be one of the city’s busier spots](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0032-9.webp)
Hien Nhon gate
This gate is the eastern entrance into the Imperial City.
![Hien Nhon is another of Hue’s stunning imperial gates](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0174-25.webp)
![Hien Nhon gate at night](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0189-28.webp)
To Mieu Temple
In 1823, the emperor Minh Mạng wanted to build a temple in tribute to the previous nine rulers of his dynastic line, which is why there are nine tripod cauldrons around the courtyard in front of To Mieu temple. The temple itself is modelled on the Imperial Ancestral Temple, or Taimiao, in Beijing.
![To Mieu Temple dates back to 1823](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0072-14.webp)
![These tripod cauldrons were made to honour the first emperors of the Nguyen dynasty](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0091-15-2.webp)
![To Mieu Temple gate is an intricate structue](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0044-12.webp)
![To Mieu Temple features plenty of hidden corners to explore](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0102-16.webp)
![To Mieu Temple is home to various example of local art](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0122-17.webp)
Purple Forbidden City
Following the Tet Offensive in 1968, a division of the People’s Army of Vietnam, or Viet Cong, occupied Hue, including the Imperial City. At first, the US was reluctant to bomb the historic sites, but when casualties began to mount, they changed their policy. Of 160 original buildings, only 10 remained after the Battle of Hue. Most of the Purple Forbidden City, where the emperor lived, was destroyed, and you can still see many bullet holes in the walls. The original structures were modelled on the Chinese Forbidden City in Beijing.
![A temple in Hue’s Purple Forbidden City](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0136-18.webp)
![A banquet hall in Hue’s Purple Forbidden City](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0144-19.webp)
![Visitors continue to flock to the Purple Forbidden City](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-2231-2.webp)
![Intricate designs characterise the style of the Purple Forbidden City](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0451-1.webp)
![The dragon was a powerful motif during the heydey of the Purple Forbidden City](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0584-6.webp)
![Dragon sculptures are found throughout the Purple Forbidden City](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-2314-3.webp)
Co Ha Gardens
These gardens, located in the northeast corner of the Imperial City, were built by the first four emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. For many years, they fell into disrepair, but a restoration project has brought them back to their former glory. You really feel like royalty when you stroll through this opulent area.
![Co Ha Gardens is renowned for its lush, ambient surrounds](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0147-20-2.webp)
![Co Ha Gardens is resplendent with lily pads, lending the place a relaxed vibe](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0148-21.webp)
![Co Ha Gardens make a tranquil stop in a Hue itinerary](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sctp0023-pham-vietnam-hue-0149-22.webp)
Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities
![The well-manicured gardens of The Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1974473.webp)
This newly renovated museum houses artefacts from the dynastic years, such as garments, ceramics and works of art.