Table Of Contents
Introduction
Kien Trung Palace Hue is regarded as the most magnificent palace in the Hue Monument Complex, with its unique structure combining French, Italian, and old Vietnamese architectural elements.
It is located in Hue Imperial City. The palace, which was built in February 1921, served as the workplace of Bao Dai and Khai Dinh Emperors, the Nguyen Dynasty’s last two Emperors.
Kien Trung Palace In The Past
Kien Trung Palace is located on the last piece of land of the Forbidden City, right behind Khon Thai Palace. During the reign of the Minh Mang Emperor, there was a construction here called the Minh Vien Pavilion (existed from 1827 to 1876). During the reign of Duy Tan Emperor, the building was built and named Du Cuu Pavilion (1913-1916). Kien Trung is the name given by Khai Dinh Emperor in 1916.
In 1921, the Kien Trung Palace was rebuilt by the Khai Dinh Emperor. This is also where Khai Dinh Emperor Passed away on November 6, 1925.
In the reign of Bao Dai, the court repaired the palace and renovated the amenities in a Western style, including a modern bathroom. King and Queen Nam Phuong then moved to live in Kien Trung Palace.
Kien Trung Palace has made a significant contribution to Hue’s history as a unique technological achievement that combines Western commercial art qualities with Eastern spiritual values.
The fussy and meticulous building embellished with porcelain panels was most visible during the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh, as this was his signature creative style. Unfortunately, after only 24 years of existence, the edifice was nearly destroyed by war in 1947, leaving only the foundation standing.
Kien Trung Palace At Present
The Hue Monuments Conservation Center has been working with researchers in history, culture, and arts to restore the Royal Palace since 2013, preserving historical witnesses Hue. The project, which spanned over 3,800 square meters, was completed in mid-February 2019. Construction workers preserved the existing base structure, minimizing disturbance to the monument’s original features.
The project has a total investment of more than 123 billion VND, and it involves restoring and embellishing works within the palace grounds such as reinforcing and restoring walls, railing systems, and courtyards, including front and back gardens; renovation and restoration of Kien Trung Tower (Kien Trung Lau), which has two floors, a height of about 14m, and a construction area of about 975m2.
After roughly 4 years of implementation from 2019 to 2024, the Kien Trung power project has been fully completed to serve visitors on the first day of the Lunar New Year 2024.
Hue has welcomed a great number of people to visit the Hue Citadel and see the exquisite splendor of the royal palace since the Kien Trung power project was completed.
In the foreseeable future, the palace is expected to be the location for organizing fine arts exhibitions, showcases, and experience venues that apply modern technological products, establishing a highlight for cultural products to serve domestic and international tourists.
Its Special Architecture
The palace’s roof is covered with flat tiles and the entire top is glazed with yellow enamel. The rooftop dragon statue is inlaid with porcelain. The complex is a fusion of styles between Asia and Europe, including French architecture, Italian Renaissance architecture, and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
The highlight is the art of porcelain mosaics with decorative patterns. The door system is brightly painted with red and yellow tones, the symbol of prosperity.
The 5-claw dragon motif symbolizing the power of the Nguyen Dynasty is inlaid with porcelain on the palace wall. The door is painted bright red, and both sides of the door frame are inlaid with sunflowers and lotus flowers.
The system of Unicorns on the facade of Kien Trung palace is also inlaid with porcelain according to the images and documents preserved by the French. The ancient dragon system of the ancient Kien Trung palace is kept intact.
Inside Kien Trung Palace are arranged original artifacts associated with the history of the palace’s formation. Artifacts from the reign of King Khai Dinh, the owner of this palace, are displayed on the first floor.
Travel Guide
Kien Trung Palace Opening Hours
Being a part of the Hue Imperial City, Kien Trung Palace sticks with the Hue Imperial Citadel opening hours. So you can explore this amazing place from 7 am to 5 pm every day even on TET holiday.
Entrance Ticket
Kien Trung Palace is one of the highlights of the Hue Imperial Citadel complex so to visit this beautiful building, you have to buy a Hue Imperial Citadel ticket.
It costs about 200,000 VND/ Pax (for adults) and 40,000 VND/ pax (for children from 7 years old to 12 years old). With this entrance ticket, you can spend a lot of time visiting Hue Imperial Citadel monuments such as Ngo Mon Gate; Ngu Phung Palace, Thai Hoa Palace, Hue Royal Courtyard, Truong Sanh Residence, Thieu Phuong Royal Garden, Hue Royal Theater, etc.
- Learn more about Hue Entrance Fee 2024.
How To Visit Kien Trung Palace
You can visit this palace and other monuments in the Hue Imperial Citadel by yourself but if you would like to understand its special architecture, and the function of each monument as well as learn about the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors, concubines, and eunuchs, you should book Hue Imperial City Walking Tour via Hue Private Taxi Travel.
To maximize your time, or if you just have 1 day in Hue, you should book the Hue City Private Tour, Hue City Group Tour to visit Hue Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Emperors, Thien Mu Pagoda, Dragon Boat Trip on Perfume River and this beautiful palace in Hue Citadel.
If you wish to explore and feel those material and spiritual values that transcend time, visit Kien Trung Royal Palace in Hue City, Vietnam.