Historic gateways to Hue Citadel

Historic gateways to Hue Citadel — Ngan Gate (Below Ngan Gate) is reserved exclusively for kings and the royal family, Ngan Gate derives its name from the Vietnamese word for “stop,” symbolizing its restriction to commoners during the imperial era - PHOTOS: NGO VINH PHU

January 26, 2025

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Text & photos by Ngo Vinh Phu

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Hue’s iconic citadel boasts 13 entrance gates, each built during the early 19th century under King Gia Long. These gates seamlessly blend traditional Vietnamese architecture with Eastern philosophy, combining elements of yin and yang, the five elements, and French fortress design. Under King Minh Mang’s reign, watchtowers were added atop multiple gates, some of which remain today. Over time, wars and natural disasters led to the collapse of several gates, but restoration work has brought most of them back to their former state. However, Tran Binh Mon, also known as Mang Ca Nho (small fish gill), remains partially unrestored. Join us in exploring the citadel’s 10 main gates and two waterway gates, with each seen as a testament to Hue’s rich history and architectural heritage.

SOUTHERN GATES OF HUE CITADEL

Ngan Gate (Below Ngan Gate) is reserved exclusively for kings and the royal family, Ngan Gate derives its name from the Vietnamese word for “stop,” symbolizing its restriction to commoners during the imperial era

Thuong Tu Gate is situated on the route connecting Dinh Tien Hoang and Tran Hung Dao streets, Thuong Tu Gate is named after its proximity to the royal stables, where horses for the king’s carriages were cared for. “Thuong Tu” translates to “king’s carriage”

Quang Duc Gate (Upper Ngan Gate) is located along the path linking 23/8 and Le Duan streets, also served as a royal passageway reserved for kings and their families

Nha Do Gate (Chanh Nam Gate), connecting Nguyen Trai and Le Duan streets, Nha Do Gate earned its name, meaning “warehouse,” from its nearby storage facility used by construction workers within the citadel

NORTHERN GATES OF HUE CITADEL

Hau Gate (Chanh Bac Gate) serves as a connection between Dinh Tien Hoang and Tang Bat Ho streets

An Hoa Gate (Northwest Gate) is positioned between Nguyen Trai and Tang Bat Ho streets. An Hoa Gate takes its name from the nearby An Hoa Market and An Hoa Village, reflecting its historical ties to the local community.

EASTERN GATES OF HUE CITADEL

Dong Ba Gate, originally called Dong Hoa or Dong Gia, links Xuan 68 and Mai Thuc Loan streets, symbolizing its historical importance in the eastern part of the citadel

Ke Trai Gate, located near Dong Ba Canal, Ke Trai Gate is currently restricted due to a military zone situated behind it, preventing vehicles from passing through

WESTERN GATES OF HUE CITADEL

Chanh Tay Gate, accessible via Thai Phien Street, stands as a testament to the western section’s importance in the citadel’s defensive system

Huu Gate, positioned on Yet Kieu Street, holds historical significance as the path King Ham Nghi used on the night of July 5, 1885 (lunar calendar) to issue the Can Vuong Proclamation, calling for resistance against French forces

WATERWAY GATES OF HUE CITADEL

Dong Thanh Thuy Quan Gate, connecting Xuan 68 Street and the Ngu Ha Canal, highlights the citadel’s intricate aquatic infrastructure

Tay Thanh Thuy Quan Gate allows passage from Ngu Ha Canal to Ke Van Canal, providing access to Kim Long Village and reflecting the importance of waterways in Hue’s transportation and cultural landscape

Kim Ngan http://english.thesaigontimes.vn

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