A trip to the Tu Duc Tomb Hue is a walk into a peaceful world of its own, a purposely constructed sanctuary made for an emperor who wished to retreat from the pressures of his reign. Far more than a burial ground, the compound was a living retreat for Tu Duc, a scholar and philosopher. The Tu Duc Tomb offers a unique glimpse into the Nguyen Dynasty, revealing the human story behind the imperial glory and the emperor’s deep love for his created heaven on earth.
Overview of Tu Duc Tomb
Only 8 kilometers away from Hue city center, Hue Tu Duc Tomb is easy to drop by. Situated in a narrow valley and surrounded by a large forest of pines, the ancient site offers spectacular views of the mythical Huong River.
- Address: 17/69 Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (every day)
- Tu Duc Tomb entrance fee: 150,000 VND for adults | 30,000 VND for child
More than just a burial site, the tomb of Tu Duc encapsulates the spirit and values of its eponymous emperor. With his wealth of mind and poet’s soul, Emperor Tu Duc used this serene haven as a refuge, where he penned verse and escaped the travails of sovereignty.
Although the resting place of Emperor Tu Duc remains undiscovered, his tomb remains one of the most elegant and well-preserved of the seven Nguyen Dynasty imperial tombs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a stunning piece of traditional Hue architecture that blends seamlessly into its environment.
Worth mentioning, Tomb Tu Duc was the first Vietnamese destination to be part of Google Arts & Culture’s 3D digitization initiative, allowing the world to enjoy its exquisite beauty in virtual form. It is more than a work of art in architecture, the tomb being a testament to the life of an emperor blessed with talent but burdened with personal issues.
Life of Emperor Tu Duc and his connection to the tomb
Born Nguyen Phuc Hong Nham, Emperor Tu Duc was the second son of Emperor Thieu Tri. He ruled for 36 years (1847–1883) and was the longest Nguyen Dynasty ruler. Tu Duc was known to be mild and greatly worried about the nation. He was extremely well-learned in Indochinese studies, particularly Confucianism.
Raising the throne amidst internal and external strife, Emperor Tu Duc was a skilled and introspective leader. Even with his plentiful duties weighing on him, he was still a poet at heart who loved nature and the aesthetics of landscapes all over Vietnam. Due to his ill health, he commissioned the construction of a tranquil retreat, both as a refuge from matters of state and as a precautionary measure in case of premature death.
Construction of the Tu Duc Tomb Vietnam began in December of 1864, employing over 6,000 workers to dig moats, build walls, and construct the mausoleum. Over the ensuing years, the site went through many different names before becoming officially Khiem Tomb (Khiem Lang), its name today. Tu Duc originally named it Van Nien Co, or “Eternal Structure” in the hopes that it would last for centuries. He anticipated six years’ worth of building time.
But to accelerate the process, the imperial court hired thousands of workers, forcing them to labor under the harsh weather of Hue. This excessive labor demand directly led to the Chay Voi Uprising by Doan Huu Trung’s brothers in 1866. Though the uprising was swiftly suppressed, it seriously damaged the image of the emperor.
To appease public resentment, Tu Duc issued an official proclamation of humility, renaming Van Nien Co to Khiem Cung, with “Khiem” meaning modesty and humility. Nearly all structures within the mausoleum were subsequently given names containing the word “Khiem” to reflect this theme.
By 1873, Khiem Cung was finished. A decade later, when Emperor Tu Duc passed away in 1883, the complex came to be known officially as Khiem Tomb (Khiem Lang). Today, it remains one of Hue’s most well-known historical landmarks, though it is still referred to by many as simply Tu Duc Tomb.
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Architecture and layout of Tu Duc Tomb
The design and structure of the Tu Duc Mausoleum Hue Vietnam are notable for their integration with the landscape around them. The complex is constructed around a large central lake, Luu Khiem Lake, which adds to the tranquility and contemplation of the tomb. The tomb consists of numerous pavilions, courtyards, and temples, all of which are carefully placed to take advantage of the scenic appeal of the environment.
The architecture is also characterized by restrained elegance, reflecting the emperor’s wish for simplicity and harmony. A few of the most significant structures include the Hoa Khiem Temple, where Tu Duc worked and rested, and the Minh Khiem Theatre, one of Vietnam’s oldest existing royal theaters.
The tomb itself is very simple, in a hidden courtyard, which serves to further illustrate the tomb’s role as a retreat rather than as a monumental tomb. The design of Tomb Tu Duc is designed to engender a sense of balance and tranquility, with pathways meandering through gardens and serene water features. The use of traditional Vietnamese architectural elements, combined with the natural setting, makes the Tu Duc Tomb Hue a masterpiece of imperial architecture.
The strategic location of each building and feature reflects a deep understanding of feng shui principles, contributing to the site’s harmony as a whole. The architectural details, from the intricately carved wood to the carefully chosen materials, speak of the high level of craftsmanship of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Experiences and highlights at Tu Duc Tomb
Despite the disrupted history, Tu Duc Tomb remains an architectural marvel, divided into five main parts:
1. Luu Khiem Lake and Tinh Khiem Islet
Visitors approach the complex along a paved brick path that winds from Vu Khiem Gate to Khiem Cung Gate. In front of the latter is Luu Khiem Lake, which was originally a small stream and afterward a small lake. Tu Duc regarded the lake as a representation of merit, and its surface is covered with pink lotus flowers during summer months, Vietnam’s national flower.
There is Tinh Khiem Islet in the middle of the lake where the emperor cultivated special and unusual flowers, some of which still bloom today. By the lakeshore are Du Khiem Pavilion and Xung Khiem Pavilion where Tu Duc spent his free time relaxing and indulging in hobby activities such as reading, drinking tea, and playing chess.
2. Hoa Khiem Palace
Passing from Khiem Cung Gate, the visitors shall come across Hoa Khiem Palace, Tu Duc’s old administration building. These days, it has been adapted into an imperial shrine for the emperor and empress. Apart from the palace, there are Phap Khiem Vu and Le Khiem Vu houses, which were originally built as resting chambers for palace slaves.
3. Luong Khiem Temple
Emperor Tu Duc was also especially famous for filial piety, and in this manner, he donated the Luong Khiem Temple to his mother, Empress Dowager Tu Du. Off this temple is On Khiem Chamber, which houses some of the emperor’s personal property.
4. Minh Khiem ancient theater
Of all the complex buildings, Minh Khiem Theater is a cultural gem. Overlooking the serene lake, the theater is a reflection of Tu Duc’s love for the arts and poetry. The extremely ornate pillars of the building are topped by sculpted carvings, and the ceiling features painted depictions of the sun, moon, and stars.
It was here that the emperor used to watch royal performances. Nowadays, in an effort to preserve it in its original state, performances are conducted at Xung Khiem Pavilion. Nevertheless, for Vietnamese traditional art fans, i.e., Hue royal court music, this ancient theater remains a point of interest.
5. The Tomb area
In the background of the praying ground stands Bai Dinh, distinguished by two lines of stone statues, who are considered to be protectors of the emperor in the afterlife. Deeper is Bi Dinh, where you can find a 20-ton stone stele containing the inscriptions of Tu Duc himself – the largest of its kind in Vietnam. The inscription relates his reign, achievements, and setbacks.
Along the path to the central mausoleum, visitors will pass by Tieu Khiem Lake, a crescent-shaped lake. The mausoleum consists of three levels of stone, and it is not known if Tu Duc’s actual remains are here. It is said that, upon Tu Duc’s death, his entourage carried him over Luu Khiem Lake to bury him in a hidden tomb. To conceal his resting place, all the servants who participated in the funeral were executed, concealing Tu Duc’s actual tomb forever.
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In conclusion, the Tu Duc Tomb is not just a place of burial; it is a living museum that preserves the spirit of Emperor Tu Duc’s reflective reign. It’s a place where history and tranquility converge, where the emperor’s own poetry and architectural vision mix with the natural landscape. For visitors who wish to experience Hue’s imperial past, the tomb offers a profound connection to history. Strolling through the carefully crafted pavilions and serene gardens reveals a story not just of an emperor’s final resting place, but of his life, his passions, and his enduring impact on Vietnamese society. The Tu Duc Tomb Vietnam is a testament to history’s enduring power and imperial craftsmanship’s beauty, inviting everyone who comes to take a step into the past and indulge in a moment of serene reflection.
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