Perspectives on Heritage Tourism - Seameo-SPAFA

<strong>Perspectives</strong> on Heritage Tourism
<strong>Perspectives</strong> on Heritage Tourism
Map of Vietnam and the location of Hue city
(Le Vinh An, 2004)
heritage of a people. This
paper aims to give an overview
of the current state
of the Hue heritage site,
and recommends appropriate
solutions.
The Hue Citadel
Complex
Due to its long history,
Hue has many remarkable
sites and specific
cultural features that reflect
the unique identity of the
region. It used to be a metropolis
in the autonomos
kingdom of the Nguyen
Lords (reign 1558-1775) of
Southern Vietnam (Dang
Trong), and later, the capital
of the Tay Son kingdom (reign 1788-1801), and capital of the country
over the next century under the Nguyê˜n (reign 1802-1945).
During the Nguyê˜n period, with its adherence to the art of
geomancy, a concept of feng shui with roots in China, the natural
features surrounding the Hue Citadel were integrated in the
planning and building of the capital (Phan Thuan An 1992: 19).
The Huong River (Perfume River) flowing past the citadel was
deemed the “bright house” (ming-tang), or water that reflects
sunlight towards the house or palace. Across the citadel are two
islets called Con Hen and Da Vien. They play the role of the left-
Overview of Hue monument complex
(chart created by Hue Monuments Conservation Center, 1995)
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