Huế, Provincial capital in central Vietnam.
Huế is a provincial capital in central Vietnam that sits on the banks of the Perfume River between forested hills and wide rice fields. The city spreads across both sides of the river, linking the old citadel on the north bank with modern residential districts and markets to the south.
The Nguyen Dynasty chose this site in 1802 as the capital and built a fortified imperial city with palaces and temples. During the 20th century, the city experienced heavy fighting that damaged or destroyed many buildings.
The name comes from the Vietnamese word for harmony and appears today in the gardens and neighborhoods along the river. Visitors see daily processions to the pagodas and experience traditional court music performed at several temples.
Phu Bai International Airport lies about 15 kilometers (9 miles) to the south with regular connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The compact old quarter can be explored on foot, while temples and tombs in the surrounding area are accessible by bicycle or motorbike.
Seven imperial mausoleums scatter across the countryside outside the city, each designed according to different principles. The tomb of Emperor Minh Mang sits on an island between two ponds and follows perfect symmetry in the arrangement of all structures.
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