Introduction
After five years of renovation, restoration, and embellishment, Kien Trung Palace has been open to visitors since January 2024. This is a unique royal palace with both the majesty and gorgeousness of the Nguyen Dynasty and impressive touches of Western architecture.
According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, during the reign of King Khai Dinh, he issued a decree to build the Kien Trung Palace. The word “Kien” means to erect or establish and the word “Trung” implies uprightness and non-deviation. Let’s learn more about this wonderful palace with Culture Pham Travel right now.
Where Is Kien Trung Palace Vietnam?
Kien Trung Palace was built during the Nguyen Dynasty and is currently located at 32 Dang Thai Than Street, Phu Hau Ward, Hue City. The palace is located in the last part of the Forbidden City area after the Khon Thai Palace of the Citadel.
Kien Trung Palace is one of five important palaces located on the Shinto (central) axis of the Hue Imperial Citadel. The central axis includes Thai Hoa Palace, Can Chanh Palace, Can Thanh Palace, and Khon Thai Palace. Although it was completely destroyed in 1946, the palace was restored and renovated with a design similar to the old one.
How To Visit Kien Trung Palace?
The Kien Trung palace is only about 2.7km from the city center. Therefore, visitors should follow the shortest route which is from Phu Xuan bridge – turn left onto Le Duan street. Then, turn right onto Cua Ngan – 23/8 street – Doan Thi Diem street.
Then, you follow Quang Duc Street to reach the Imperial Citadel area. The distance is quite close so you can walk or rent a cyclo, bicycle, motorbike, or taxi and the price is also very cheap.
However, to save time and gain a deeper understanding of this Hue royal palace, you should book our Hue tours as follows:
- Hue Imperial City Walking Tour – 40 USD/pax.
- Hue City Private Tour – from 48 USD/pax.
- Hoi An To Hue Day Trip – from 56 USD/pax.
- Hue City Tour By Cyclo – 60 USD/pax.
- Hue City Tour From Da Nang – from 56 USD/pax.
After a nice stay in Hue, you may need our Hue private cars to transfer to other destinations, such as
- Hue To Phong Nha Private Car – 95 USD/Sedan.
- Private Car Hue To Da Nang – 61 USD/Sedan.
- Hue To Hoi An Via City Of Ghosts – 91 USD/Sedan.
Opening Hours And Entrance Fee
- Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 am – 5:30 pm; Winter: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Because this palace is located inside the Hue Citadel, you only need to buy a Hue Imperial City entrance ticket to visit. Only 200,000 VND/person, you can visit this palace and the entire Hue Citadel complex. View more at the Hue Entrance Fee.
Kien Trung Palace History
At this location, there were previously two structures: Minh Viễn Pavilion and Du Cửu Pavilion. In 1827 under the reign of Minh Mang emperor, he ordered the builders to construct the Minh Viễn Pavilion. It was a large wooden building with three floors, standing 15.8 meters above the ground. The pavilion served as a place for the emperor to enjoy the scenery and take fresh air.
Later on, during the reign of Thieu Tri emperor, the emperor restored the pavilion. The builders placed a luminous pearl on its roof, shining brightly every night. The Thieu Tri emperor complimented Minh Viễn Pavilion as the first beautiful scene in the “Twenty Scenes of the Capital” collection. Nevertheless, in 1876 under the reign of the Tu Duc emperor, he ordered the builders to dismantle them because of serious deterioration.
In 1913, the Duy Tan emperor commissioned the construction of another pavilion on the old foundation of this building. It has a new architectural style, and the emperor named it Du Cửu Pavilion. This new pavilion consisted of only 2 floors and had quite simple architecture.
Later on, after ascending the throne in 1916, the Khai Dinh emperor renamed the Du Cửu Pavilion to the Kiến Trung Pavilion. From 1921 to 1923, the emperor completely rebuilt the Kien Trung Palace with a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. It included French architecture and Italian Renaissance architecture combined with elements of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
On August 29, 1945, the Kien Trung Palace had a significant historical event. The Bao Dai Emperor had his first meeting with the Provisional Government delegation to formally discuss abdication and transfer of governing authority to the provisional government.
In 1947, the Kien Trung Palace completely collapsed because of the damage from the war, leaving only its foundation.
The Restoration Of The Palace
On February 16, 2019, Hue Monuments Conservation Center commenced the Kien Trung Palace restoration project. The project covered an area of over 3,800 square meters. The construction units preserved the existing foundation structure. The most important thing is to minimize intervention in the original features of the heritage site.
The project included reinforcement, restoration of perimeter walls, railing systems, courtyard areas comprising forecourt and rear court, as well as various structures. Restoration of the Kien Trung Palace (Kien Trung Pavilion) with 2 floors. It is approximately 14 meters in height, and a construction area of about 975 square meters.
Additionally, the project renovated small structures. For example, brick platforms, fountain pedestals, cannon platforms, guardhouses, and greenery systems. Plus, the foundation of the Dong Cung Pavilion, Imperial Archive Room, Military Hall, and the Imperial Library.
The Hue Monuments Conservation Center started the process of restoring Kien Trung Palace in February 2019. It was completed in early February 2024, costing 123.78 billion VND from the cultural development program funds and other legally mobilized sources.
The restoration process requires meticulousness and carefulness because the palace’s decoration and design are extremely complicated and sophisticated. In addition to the restored palace, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center planted many surrounding flower gardens.
What To Explore At Kien Trung Palace Hue?
Kien Trung Palace is the workplace and residence of the last two emperors of the Nguyen dynasty: Khải Định King and Bảo Đại King. Kiến Trung Palace is also the place where the Khai Dinh Emperor passed away on November 6, 1925. Besides, this is where Nam Phương Emperess gave birth to Bảo Long Prince (on January 4, 1936).
After the passing of the Khai Dinh King, the Bao Dai emperor undertook the palace renovation, incorporating additional Western amenities. Hence, the Kien Trung Palace became the shared residence of the entire royal family. There are the Bao Dai King, Nam Phương Empress, Phương Mai, Phương Liên and Phương Dung princesses, Bảo Thăng and Bảo Long Princes.
Admire Beautiful And Unique Architecture
According to experts, alongside its historical significance, the Kien Trung Palace also holds great architectural and artistic values. The combination of many architectural styles makes the Kien Trung Palace unique and different. It includes Italian Renaissance architecture, French architecture, and the architecture of ancient Vietnamese.
In front of the palace is a landscape garden. There are three staircases here decorated with delicate dragon shapes. Thus, visitors can follow the stairs to get to the palace steps. The main floor includes 13 porch doors, 5 doors in the middle space and 3 doors on each side. The builders also designed the upstairs area similarly to the main floor.
The system of patterns and dragons is inlaid with porcelain on the roof of the palace, along with paintings (flowers, birds, etc). The palace’s roof is covered with flat tiles, and the entire top is glazed with yellow enamel. The window frame is made from red-painted wood.
Further, dragon and rooster motifs (left corner) are inlaid with porcelain on the wall. To inlay a soulful porcelain dragon, the craftsmen must combine many types of porcelain pieces.
Hence, Kien Trung Palace enriched the Vietnamese architectural style during the neoclassical period. Especially in the art of enamel ceramics, which is characteristic of the Nguyen Dynasty’s imperial architecture.
See The Antiques Inside The Palace
Moreover, inside Kien Trung Palace is a new world that will make you overwhelmed by its beauty with decorative motifs and antiques. Inside the palace is a collection of original artifacts associated with the history of the palace’s formation.
Besides, there are also artifacts from the reign of King Khai Dinh, the owner of this palace. All displayed on the first floor, such as shoes, shirts, porcelains, bronze, etc. There is also a palanquin that the Khai Dinh king used during his reign.
Travel Tips
Hue Monuments Conservation Center offers costume rental services at Huu Vu (behind Thai Hoa Palace) and on the ground floor of Kien Trung Palace. This aims to meet the needs for exploring and experiencing the royal life at Kien Trung Palace and within the Hue Imperial Citadel.
Therefore, visitors can easily choose traditional Vietnamese costumes. For instance, Ao Dai, Nhat Binh, and ancient costumes, along with related accessories (wooden clogs, silk belts, scarves, conical hats, dresses, etc.) at affordable prices. You can also rent the costumes outside the Citadel with the make-up and photographer service.
It will be very convenient to explore and take photos at the Kien Trung Palace and the large Citadel complex. You will immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and history. Thus, you will feel that you are dating back to the feudal era of Vietnam.
Hue Citadel is very large, with many different palaces and other structures. Hence, you should bring a map to avoid getting lost if you go alone.
Additionally, you should choose appropriate clothing to maintain politeness when entering the monuments and take photos to save beautiful moments.
Moreover, you must comply with the regulations at the monuments to help protect them. Do not record video of the interior or touch the artifacts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kien Trung Palace in Hue is not only a work of great historical, cultural, and architectural significance but also a tourist attraction that many people choose to visit when coming to the ancient capital of Vietnam.
This palace helps visitors gain more knowledge about the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal architecture, along with seeing many rare artifacts and historical documents. Hopefully, the above sharing will help you understand more about the Kien Trung Palace. Culture Pham Travel & Transpor wishes all visitors the most fantastic time in Hue.
