The old imperial city of Hué is located in Vietnam, between Hanoi and Saigon, on the so-called "River of Fragrances", which divides the city into two parts.

The Nguyen noble family had already moved their residence here towards the end of the 17th century. But in 1775 the city was captured by Trinh troops and the family was annihilated with the exception of two members. After almost 20 years of fighting, the legitimated emperor managed to recapture the city and founded the last Vietnamese dynasty.

Upon entering the "Forbidden City" through the "Noon Gate", the "Courtyard of the Great Reception" welcomes you, followed by the two "Halls of the Mandarin".

The coronation ceremonies and audiences took place in the "Hall of the Highest Harmony".

Unlike its Southeast Asian neighbours, the culture was influenced more by China than by India, thus clearly in contrast to Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.

The construction process lasted, with interruptions, until 1823. Thousands of soldiers and people from all over the country were involved.

The old imperial city became a noteable part of history again after its destruction during the Vietnam War.