Great work has been done to renovate and preserve the war-torn ancient Hue citadel to be a beauty spot nowadays.

 Quang Duc and Tay Nam gates were restored in 2003

Established as the capital of Vietnam in 1802, Hue was the political, the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945.

After 1975, Hue Imperial City was badly damaged by the French and then the American wars with many construction were totally destroyed. In addition, strong storms and floods in 1953, 1971, 1984 and 1999 had further damaged the remaining structures.

People nationwide were asked to help as much as they can in order to revive the ancient citadel in 1981. Since then, many works have been done to rebuild and remake the old buildings. As a result, Hue Complex Monuments were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage in 1993. Hue royal court music was also recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2003.

To preserve Hue City, the government has approved a plan to preserve and promote Hue Citadel from 1995 to 2010, with view to 2020.

Many gates leading to the forbidden city have been destroyed

Ngo Mon (Noon Gate) in 1968 and now

Phu Van Lau (Pavilion of Edicts) was built in 1819 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and was used as a place for announcing the Emperor’s important edicts. The pavilion has undergone four renovation after heavy storms

Thai Hoa Palace before and after the renovation

Preservation done to Linh Tinh Gate and Van Mieu Gate in 2008

Many old royal rites revived such as the Nam Giao Offering

Luc Cung Hoa Dang (the Lantern Dance with lotus-shaped lanterns, adapted from Buddhism) performed again

Several buildings cannot saved because of heavy damage, such as Kien Trung Palace, which was destroyed in 1947

Foundation of Kien Trung Palace

Truong Tien Bridge was damaged in 1968 but has been restored

Truong Sanh Palace was built in 1821 under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang as palace garden but was later made into the residence of Emperor's mother

Hien Nhon Gate was built in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long and renovated by both Emperor Minh Mang in 1833 and Emperor Khai Dinh. The gate was open only to the male mandarins

Hien Nhon Gate damaged in 1968, renovated after 1975