The story about Ngo Mon Gate and Ngu Phung Tower

One of the most important landmarks in Hue Citadel is the Ngo Mon and Ngu Phung Tower. While Ngo Mon is considered as a peak of Hue royal architecture, Ngu Phung stands as the most powerful symbol of Nguyen Dynasty.

Not only that, these special relics have been standing with the history of Hue and witnessing many changes in our country’s fate. Let’s hear their stories with Bee Bee Travel!

The story of Ngo Mon

In traditional Vietnamese culture, the door is the special part that is always done in the end when building a house. Ngo Mon is not different purposely used for the royal ceremonies that took place in the Imperial city.

This place was the showcase of power during the Nguyen Dynasty. The gate dates back to 1833 and reflects Nguyen architectural style. There are five entrances to the Hue Imperial City. The main one is Ngo Mon Gate. Two side entrances, the left and right gates, were for civil and military mandarins. Inside the structure are two more gates used by soldiers, elephants, and horses for the royal procession.

It suffered damages during the wars and underwent restoration. Nowadays, you can still see many bullet holes on the wall at Ngo Mon.

The story about Ngu Phung Tower

Unlike its solid foundation Ngo Mon, Ngu Phung stands high with this elegant and fragile structures and is one of the most popular places to visit in Hue.

Notable events at Ngu Phung Pavilion

Besides the special function of Ngo Mon as the way for the Emperor and the mandarins, Ngu Phung also played an important role in Nguyen royal ceremonies as well as witnessed many of famous battle of Hue in Vietnam history.

Nguyen Dynasty Royal Ceremonies

With the function as a stage, it was used to organize some of the most important ceremonial events such as the imperial parade, ban sóc or also means (distributing new royal calendar).

All these activities were hosted by the Emperor himself with his peasants standing in the Ngo Mon Gate square.

We have collected here a series of pictures of these special place in Hue Citadel for you:

In addition, people who pass the doctorate will be announced the name at this special place.

Bao Dai abdication on 25 August 1945

More specifically, ending 143 years of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last absolute monarchy of Vietnam. This is the place where witnessed the abdication ceremony of Emperor Bao Dai in 1945.

The battle field during Tet Offensive

Ngu Phung was built on a solid foundation. Therefore, nature could hardly move it even in the terrible storms of 1904 which destroyed the iconic Truong Tien bridge.

However, bombs and bullets of war are inevitable, especially, during the Tet Mau Than Offensive in 1968. At this time, with the most advanced weapons of the American, it was seriously damaged.

Here are some iconic pictures of Ngu Phung during the Battle of Hue:

Nowadays

Hue Citadel and Imperial city have been at the spotlight of UNESCO and many organization who are interested in reviving this special feudal ruins of Vietnam. With great support and talented craftwork by the Vietnamese government, Ngu Phung stunningly appears with a new look nowadays. It is also the venue for the important cultural and political events of Thua Thien Hue Province, especially the Hue Festival.

Especially, visiting Ngu Phung is the best thing to do in Hue at night. You will immerse yourself in a colorful space with lights system and admiring the artwork of Nguyen Dynasty left for Hue imperial city.

Ending

Do you like our stories about Ngo Mon and Ngu Phung? Do you feel excited before coming to visit Hue Citadel?

Let’s join our special Hue Walk of Imperial City to learn about the Nguyen Dynasty history and Tet Offensive battle in Hue Citadel with Bee Bee Travel guide. You will surely leave Hue with huge appreciation for its beauty and intriguing history.