World Heritage Site:
Complex of Hué Monuments
Publication Year:
2016
Publication Type:
Article
Publication Identifier:
WHE8A85760300
Summary
Hue, the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam, uniquely blends Chinese traditional capital systems with Western military architecture. Research reveals that Hue's layout, despite its adherence to Chinese models, incorporated a Vauban-style city wall—a rare fusion reflecting both cultural heritage and contemporary military needs. The study also highlights an unusual deviation where facilities for ancestor worship, deemed critical to the dynasty's legitimacy, were placed outside the imperial city. This arrangement underscores the Nguyen Dynasty's claim as successors to previous ruling dynasties. The analysis is based on a meticulous examination of historical records, offering insights into the strategic and symbolic dimensions of Hue's urban planning.
Citation
Woo, Seong-Hoon. (2016). A Study on the Characteristics of the Layout of the Hue, the Capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam. Journal of Architectural History, 25(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.7738/JAH.2016.25.1.023