Hue through a unique lens

The photo series themed "Heal The Soul" by child model Ella Bui skillfully portrays unique perspectives, taking visitors to a Hue that is both modern and youthful, while still retaining its inherent ancient charm.

“The photo series represents a fresh perspective on Hue compared to previous versions. It exudes a youthful energy, from the colors and design of the costumes to the imagery of the characters, combining modern freshness with the tranquil and gentle charm of Hue,” said Bui Viet Anh (father of model Ella Bui).

Strolling through the ancient, moss-covered tombs, visitors feel as if they are transported back in time to the tranquil old Hue. This place preserves long-standing historical and cultural landmarks, offering visitors a sense of peace.

Hue not only possesses traditional values ​​but also embodies a youthful, modern vitality. The photo series "Heal The Soul" skillfully captures the beauty of this interplay between these two contrasting elements. Against a backdrop of bright, vibrant colors, the ancient tombs appear with a completely new look. Modern, youthful outfits are harmoniously combined with the ancient scenery, creating a vibrant and captivating overall effect. "Heal The Soul" is like a breath of fresh air in the way we see Hue, introducing visitors to a Hue that is youthful and modern yet still retains its inherent serene beauty.

Hue is known as a province in the central coastal region of Vietnam, bordering Laos and the East Sea, Quang Nam, Da Nang, and Quang Tri. Hue is famous for its dreamy, serene, and gentle beauty. This charm makes anyone want to visit Hue at least once in their lifetime. In this ancient capital, visitors can admire the magnificent palaces, majestic tombs, and historical landmarks, all contributing to the unique beauty of this land.

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Tomb of Tu Duc

Hailed as the most beautiful architectural masterpiece of the Nguyen Dynasty, this is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, the longest-reigning of the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Amidst social hardship, foreign invasions, and internal strife, Emperor Tu Duc sought refuge from the harsh realities of life by constructing this mausoleum complex as a second palace.

To date, Tu Duc Mausoleum is considered one of the four most beautiful mausoleums on the Hue tourism map, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is also one of the first historical sites in Vietnam to be included in a 3D digital museum as part of the Google Arts & Culture project.

The architecture of Tu Duc Mausoleum is considered the most beautiful among the mausoleums of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Nearly 50 structures within the Tu Duc Mausoleum complex, encompassing both the palace and the tomb, include: Vu Khiem Gate, Khiem Cung Mon Gate, Luong Khiem Palace, etc. Notably, all the names of these structures contain the word "Khiem" – meaning respect and humility – one of the virtues highly valued by Confucian scholars of that time.

Minh Mang Mausoleum

Minh Mang Mausoleum, also known as Hieu Lang, is located on Cam Ke Mountain in Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province. It is near Bang Lang intersection, 12 km from the center of Hue city. Minh Mang Mausoleum is a complex of historical and cultural relics within the Hue Imperial Citadel, built between 1829 and 1840 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. It is considered one of the most beautiful and representative mausoleums of the Nguyen Dynasty, reflecting the Vietnamese people's conception of the universe, philosophy of life, and filial piety.

Situated in a prime location surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes, the Minh Mang Mausoleum, with its majestic and exemplary architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty, is a popular destination attracting numerous visitors from all over the world to admire during their trip to Hue.

Hue Imperial Citadel

The Hue Imperial Citadel is part of the Hue Imperial City complex, bearing the distinct cultural, historical, and architectural imprint of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. The Hue Imperial Citadel was the residence and center of activities for the Nguyen emperors and the last feudal court of Vietnam. It was not only the site of official court affairs but also hosted royal festivals, religious ceremonies, and important events of the Nguyen Dynasty.

The Hue Imperial Citadel can be considered the most massive construction project in Vietnamese history to date. Its architecture bears the distinct mark of the Nguyen Dynasty's court architecture, harmoniously blending traditional and modern elements. The structures within the Citadel are built using precious ironwood, intricately carved with dragons, phoenixes, and delicate patterns.

This area comprises two main sections: the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City, each containing numerous different structures. The Imperial Citadel includes the Ngo Mon Gate and the Thai Hoa Palace. The Forbidden City, reserved for the emperor and royal family, includes the Dai Cung Mon Gate, the Ta Vu and Huu Vu pavilions, the Can Chanh Palace, the Thai Binh Pavilion, the Dien Tho Palace, and more.

Imperial Citadel area

Ngo Mon Gate

Ngo Mon Gate, or Ngo Mon Gate, is a massive and magnificent structure built with extremely elaborate, sophisticated, and sturdy decorative details. Ngo Mon Gate is not simply an entrance gate but also represents the face of the Hue Imperial Citadel, and is therefore designed with multiple layers and a surrounding moat.

The Ngo Mon Gate of the Hue Imperial Citadel faces south, offering a panoramic view of the Perfume River. The citadel area typically has five gates; the central main gate was once reserved for the emperor, while the two side gates were for civil and military officials. The remaining two gates were for soldiers, elephants, and horses accompanying and serving the emperor.

Having stood for nearly two centuries and witnessed countless historical events recorded in the nation's history, Ngo Mon Gate has endured the test of time and has become an outstanding masterpiece of ancient architecture, serving as a living witness to many important milestones in the nation's history.

Kien Trung Palace - A once magnificent palace of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Kien Trung Palace, located within the Hue Imperial Citadel, was built in 1921 during the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh. It served as the workplace and residence of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Bao Dai – the last two emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Kien Trung Palace was built in a style that combines Eastern and Western architecture, with a blend of traditional Vietnamese and modern Western styles. The palace covers an area of ​​2,020 square meters.²It consists of three main sections: the front hall, the middle hall, and the rear hall.

In front of the main hall is a landscaped garden. Here, there are three staircases intricately carved with dragons, which visitors can use to ascend to the hall's platform. The main floor is designed with 13 veranda doors, 5 in the central section and 3 on each side. The upper floor is designed similarly to the main floor.

Duyet Thi Duong - Hue Royal Court Theatre

Duyệt Thị Đường was built in the 7th year of Minh Mạng's reign (1826) inside the Forbidden City. It was a place reserved for the King, royal relatives, high-ranking officials, and foreign dignitaries to watch artistic performances (mainly court plays), contributing to enriching the cultural and spiritual life of the kings and the Nguyễn dynasty court.

Duyệt Thị Đường has a total area of ​​11,740 m².²The theater has a construction area of ​​1,182 m².²The entire grounds of the theater were formerly used to cultivate rare medicinal plants. To the right of the theater was the Imperial Medical Institute, where medicines were prepared for the King and the Royal Family. To the left was the Imperial Kitchen, where meals were prepared for the King. All of these were separated from the theater by a wall.

Over nearly 200 years, under the impact of harsh natural conditions and the ravages of war, Duyet Thi Duong Theatre suffered significant damage and underwent numerous restorations and repairs. From 1995 to 2002, the theatre underwent its final complete restoration and officially reopened in March 2003, under the management of the Traditional Royal Theatre of the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center.

Heal The Soul

Model: Ella Bui

Ao Dai: LaSenVu

Camera: Anh Kiet

Photo: Hoang Quan

ArDirection: Bui Viet Anh

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao