Complex of Hué Monuments

Methodology for Establishing the Appropriate Protected Area based on the Analysis of Old Drawings In case of Gia Long Mausoleum, Hue

A groundbreaking analysis of old drawings and maps reveals that the current protected area of Gia Long Mausoleum (GLM), part of Vietnam's UNESCO-listed Complex of Hué Monuments, is significantly smaller than Emperor Gia Long's original vision. This study deciphers historical records to demonstrate GLM's integration with 'Shan-Shui design,' tropical water management, and local community symbiosis—elements overlooked during its 1993 World Heritage inscription. By reconstructing the ideal worldview of Gia Long and identifying forbidden areas from the era, researchers provide a methodology for defining an appropriate protected area that deepens the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). This approach offers a model for preserving cultural heritage while respecting historical intentions.