The Huc Bridge

The Huc Bridge stretches across Hoàn Kiếm Lake with 15 spans resting on 32 round timber pillars arranged in pairs. It links the shore to Ngoc Son Temple grounds, guiding pedestrians over the calm water in the center of the city.

Scholar Nguyễn Văn Siêu commissioned the structure in 1865 to ease access to the temple grounds. After a fire in 1887, major rebuilding took place in 1897 and 1953, when the timber foundation was replaced with cement.

The name means 'the rising and resting sun' and appears in gilded Chinese characters on the vermillion timber. Visitors today use the narrow passage both as a direct route to the temple and as a viewing spot over the busy lakeshore.

The crossing lies in the central district and stays open all day without admission fees. Visitors should arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid larger groups of people.

Two students set fire to the timber structure in 1887 as an act of protest against French colonial rule. This action temporarily halted French control over the temple grounds and later became a symbol of local resistance.

Location: Hoàn Kiếm

Inception: 1865

GPS coordinates: 21.03075,105.85280

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28