Hue Historic Citadel | Landmark in Hue | Monkey Compass

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, one of Hue's most renowned tourist attractions and sights, houses both the palace where the emperor resided and his mausoleums. Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty lived within this vast, walled compound. The inner city was a forbidden zone accessible only to the emperor, his concubines, and his closest attendants; unauthorized entry could result in the death penalty. Although reconstruction efforts are underway to preserve it as a historical tourist site, the forbidden areas have largely disappeared today and are in a state of near ruin. The southern gate, through which tourists enter, is said to have been modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City in China. Beyond the southern gate, the imperial citadel also contains residences for royal family members, temples, and the emperor's own Forbidden City—a name likewise inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City.