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The Tomb of Tu Duc is widely known as one of the most beautiful examples of Nguyen Dynasty imperial architecture located in the ancient capital, and it is also the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc. Boasting a picturesque and serene landscape, imbued with Confucian traditions, the Tomb of Tu Duc promises to be a memorable destination on any trip to Hue.
The resting place of the learned king with the soul of a poet.
Emperor Tự Đức, whose given name was Nguyễn Phúc Hồng Nhậm, was one of the longest-reigning emperors of the Nguyễn dynasty (1848-1883). He was known not only as a talented politician, but also as an outstanding poet, writer, historian, and calligrapher. He is considered the most literate emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty, with many valuable literary and historical works.
Khiem Lang was built between 1864 and 1867, located in a quiet and peaceful area, about 12 km from the center of Hue city. Tu Duc Mausoleum is situated in a valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, Cu Chanh commune, Thuy Bieu district. Currently, it is Thuy Ba hamlet, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city, only 6 km from the city center.
The architecture of Tu Duc Mausoleum reflects the personality of a king who possessed the heart of a poet.
The architecture of Tu Duc Mausoleum clearly reflects the personality of the Nguyen dynasty emperor, full of majesty yet also gentle, graceful, and poetic. The land for construction is divided into two main areas: the palace and the tomb. It contains nearly 50 structures of varying sizes, most of which have the word "Khiem" (humility) in their names. Tu Duc Mausoleum is considered one of the most beautiful mausoleums of the Nguyen dynasty.
The Tomb of Tu Duc is not only the resting place of a king, but also a unique cultural, historical, and architectural symbol of Vietnam. This tomb is proudly recognized as one of the four most beautiful tombs in the ancient capital of Hue, a testament to its timeless artistic and architectural value.
This place is peaceful and serene, a haven of tranquility for many.
And that's not all; the Tomb of Tu Duc has also been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, a prestigious title certifying the global value of this historical monument. This recognition is not only a source of pride for the people of Hue, but also for the entire Vietnamese nation.
Furthermore, the Tomb of Tu Duc is one of the first historical sites in Vietnam to be featured in a 3D digital museum as part of the Google Arts & Culture project. This allows visitors worldwide to admire the beauty of the tomb in a vivid and realistic way on their computer or mobile phone screens.
Khiem Lang was completed in 1873 - at that time, Emperor Tu Duc was still alive, so the Emperor called this place Khiem Cun.
With its immense historical, cultural, and artistic value, the Tomb of Tu Duc has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue, drawing thousands of visitors every year. Visitors come not only to admire the unique architectural beauty of the tomb, but also to learn about the history and culture of the Nguyen dynasty and the life of a talented and multifaceted king.
The mausoleum complex is divided into two main parts, arranged on two parallel axes, with the tombs and shrines sharing the same front view, the Giang Khiem mountain in the foreground, the Duong Xuan mountain as the background, and the Luu Khiem lake as the central element.
A place of breathtaking natural beauty that captivates the heart.
In December 1864, construction of the Tomb of Tu Duc officially began with the contribution of over 6,000 soldiers and laborers to dig moats, build ramparts, construct the city walls and the tomb. The Tomb of Tu Duc underwent several name changes before being called Khiem Lang, a name it retains to this day. Previously, the king named the tomb Van Nien Co, signifying a structure that would endure forever.
Today, this historical site is also one of the top tourist attractions in the ancient capital of Hue.
He estimated that the construction of the mausoleum would take about six years. However, to expedite the project's completion, the court mobilized hundreds of thousands of laborers, workers, and soldiers to toil tirelessly in the harsh weather of the ancient capital. This directly led to the Chay Voi rebellion of the Doan Huu Trung brothers in 1866. Although quickly suppressed, the uprising significantly damaged the reputation of this king.
To appease the people, he had to write a petition, changing the name from Van Nien Co to Khiem Cung. The word "Khiem" here means humility and modesty. All the structures, large and small, within the mausoleum also have the word "Khiem" in their names. In 1873, Khiem Cung was officially completed. Ten years later, when Emperor Tu Duc passed away, the mausoleum was officially renamed Khiem Lang and has remained so to this day, alongside the familiar name Tu Duc Mausoleum that everyone still uses.
Nestled peacefully amidst towering mountains, this location offers visitors many delightful experiences.
From the very first moment of arriving, visitors will be amazed by the poetic beauty and picturesque landscape of Tu Duc Mausoleum. The space here seems to be separated from the noisy and bustling world outside, offering a sense of peace and tranquility.
While Gia Long Mausoleum exudes an ancient, tranquil beauty reminiscent of a bygone era, Minh Mang Mausoleum is the most majestic and magnificent, showcasing the grandeur of the Nguyen dynasty, and Khai Dinh Mausoleum is designed in a style that blends classical and modern elements, with a touch of innovation in building materials and decoration, Tu Duc Mausoleum possesses a more refined and poetic appearance. Tu Duc Mausoleum is not only the resting place of a king, but also a unique work of art, harmoniously combining architecture and nature.
Ruling as king amidst social hardships, foreign invasions, and internal strife, Emperor Tự Đức, seeking refuge from this harsh life, had his mausoleum complex built as a second palace.
From above, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the mausoleum complex and the surrounding natural landscape. The clear blue lakes, the winding stone-paved paths, the ancient trees providing shade... all create a picturesque scene, evoking feelings of peace and tranquility.
The Tomb of Tu Duc is divided into two main areas: the palace and the mausoleum, with nearly 50 large and small structures spread throughout. These two parts are arranged parallel to each other, with Giang Khiem Mountain in the foreground, Duong Xuan Mountain in the background, and Luu Khiem Lake in the center.
The architectural structures, from majestic shrines to tranquil tombs, are arranged harmoniously and subtly within the grounds of Tu Duc Mausoleum. The space here does not feel cramped or suffocating, but rather airy and spacious, allowing visitors to feel relaxed and comfortable from the very first steps.
The rustling green pine trees, bending along the winding cobblestone paths, create a beautiful and peaceful natural landscape. The tranquil small lake reflects the lush green trees and ancient architecture like a vibrant ink painting.
The scenery is peaceful within the imperial palace.
All these elements blend together, creating a mausoleum space that perfectly preserves the utmost majesty of an imperial residence while also subtly imbuing it with a romantic, poetic spirit befitting a king with a poetic soul.
In particular, when visiting, one must see Khiem Cung Mon at the Tomb of Tu Duc. This is a two-story pavilion-like structure situated on a raised platform, aligned with Du Khiem Ta, with Hoa Khiem Palace in the middle. The structure was built beside a lake, incorporating the "bright hall" concept to "gather water and accumulate blessings." During his lifetime, Emperor Tu Duc often visited the tomb to rest. This was also where he frequently handled court affairs. After his death, Hoa Khiem Palace was used as a place of worship for his and his empress's ancestral tablets.
At Khiem Cung Mon, people often release lotus flowers. When the flowers bloom, their gentle fragrance is carried by the wind throughout the space, making anyone who comes here feel unusually calm and peaceful. In the middle of the lake, there are also other small islands where flowers are grown and animals are kept. Surrounding Khiem Cung Mon are Xung Khiem Ta and Du Khiem Ta. This is where the king often sat to read books, recite poetry, and enjoy the picturesque natural scenery with the scent of meadows wafting in all directions and the chirping of birds calling to each other.
This place preserves the prosperity of a dynasty, as well as the romantic soul of a benevolent king.
Through the ups and downs of history, the Tomb of Tu Duc still stands tall, proudly amidst the landscape of the ancient capital of Hue, as a witness to a glorious history, the clearest evidence of a brilliant era of a learned and profound king. Time may fade the walls and erode the patterns, but it cannot diminish the cultural and historical values that the Tomb of Tu Duc holds. Similar to other ancient structures in Hue, the Tomb of Tu Duc resembles an ancient painting, subtly imbued with a nostalgic charm, yet strangely captivating and alluring.
If you have the chance to visit the ancient capital of Hue on a beautiful sunny day, don't forget to visit Tu Duc Mausoleum to admire its ancient, majestic beauty and feel the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Tu Duc Mausoleum will surely be a memorable destination on your journey to explore the ancient capital of Hue.
