Transferred by coach 85 miles from Hoi An to Hue. We’re getting closer to the DMZ.
China Beach near Da Nang. GI R&R spot
Da Nang dragon bridge
Fishing village
Further north. The poles are breeding beds for fresh water oysters and pearls
Hue (pronounced “whey”) was the imperial capital of the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam from 1802-1945. We visited the Historic Citadel, a walled fortress that includes the Imperial City and the Forbidden City. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993.
A huge wall (1.2 miles each side) and moat enclose the entire Citadel. Once inside, the Mandarin Gate grants access to the Imperial Buildings across a second moat. The gate was used once a year by the Emperor, for Lunar New Year.
Chinese influence is notable in both the organization and architecture of buildings.
The Great Harmony Palace was used 5 times each month. The Nguyen emperor’s gold throne is on the elevated platform.
The audience room is opulent and vast.
Back of the Mandarin Gate
The compound is being renovated building by building
A dragon gutter
Phoenixes decorate women’s quarters, in this case the emperor’s mother. Dragons are reserved for the emperor.
Big tripod cauldrons and dragon stairs
Recently restored Kien Trung Palace. Only a hundred years old, the palace was heavily damaged in the war.
I was out of commission the next day, so that’s going to be written by Greg and Mark.
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