Huế, Imperial city in central Vietnam.
Huế is a provincial city in central Vietnam that sits along the Perfume River, known for its walled citadel on the northern bank. Wide avenues connect residential neighborhoods to the old center, while flat-bottomed boats carry traders and travelers between the two shores.
The Nguyen Dynasty chose this city as its capital in 1802 and built palaces and administrative buildings within the fortress walls. After the monarchy fell in 1945, the city lost its political role, and many of its structures were damaged by later conflicts.
Vendors along the riverfront sell Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup seasoned with lemongrass, which is often eaten at dawn. The local tradition of handcrafted porcelain with dragon motifs continues in workshops near the water's edge.
Early morning hours work best for a visit, when temperatures remain comfortable and school groups have not yet arrived. Paths inside the citadel are mostly paved, but older sections can be uneven and require sturdy footwear.
The citadel's hexagonal layout follows Chinese geomantic principles, with each gate aligned to a cardinal direction and associated element. The southern gate bears the name Noonday Gate and was reserved exclusively for the emperor.
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