Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Feudal legacy in Hanoi
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a place associated with thousands of years of history of nation building and defending the country, one of the cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO. In addition, Thang Long Imperial Citadel is also a famous destination of Hanoi, all domestic and foreign tourists coming to Hanoi come to visit this place.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a relic site built by our country in the 7th century, under the Dinh-Tien Le dynasties, then flourished in the Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a monumental architectural work representing one of the works to protect the largest country in our country. The Imperial Citadel was built by dynasties through many stages to be completed successfully. Later, when the country was unified, the Imperial Citadel became one of the oldest and most important historical monuments of our country.
Since then, through many historical events, Thang Long Imperial Citadel has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage with many different historical and cultural values. Some typical monuments excavated and preserved up to the present time can be mentioned as Ky Dai, Doan Mon, Kinh Thien Palace, archaeological area 18 Hoang Dieu …
Currently, this relic complex is located in Dien Bien Phu and Quan Thanh wards with a total area of the central area up to 18.3 hectares. The easiest address of Thang Long Imperial Citadel to find on the map is 19C Hoang Dieu, the main door of the relic.
Because it is located in the political center of Ba Dinh district, Hoang Thanh is very close to the centers of the country’s headquarters such as:
- The north is Phan Dinh Phung street.
- The South is the National Assembly building – The place where important meetings of the National Assembly take place.
- The Southwest is Dien Bien Phu Street.
- The West are the National Assembly House, Hoang Dieu Street, and Doc Lap Street.
- The East is Nguyen Tri Phuong street.
Attractions in and around the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- Archaeological site 18 Hoang Dieu
The archaeological site consists of 2 architectural floors, one of Dai La citadel from the reign of King Cao Bien of the Tang Dynasty (China) and the second floor is a relic of the palace of the Ly and Tran dynasties, then the eastern palace of the Emperor. Pear. This relic also has a part of the architecture from the 19th century of Hanoi citadel.
- Hanoi flagpole
Hanoi flagpole, also known as Ky Dai, was built in the early 19th century under the Nguyen Dynasty. The flagpole has a total height of 60m, of which there are 3 floors: the 1st floor is 3.1m high, the 2nd floor is 3.7m high and the 3rd floor is 5.1m high. Next there is a flagpole with a height of up to 18.2m. Between floors can be moved by spiral stairs and windows to observe the surroundings. The Hanoi flagpole is a great suggestion for families who are looking for an attractive and interesting place for children to play in Hanoi.
- Kinh Thien Palace
Kinh Thien Palace is located in the center of Thang Long Imperial Citadel with the remaining architecture of old stone foundations and steps to reach the main hall. The highlight of this relic are the 4 stone dragons adoring at the palace terrace, sculpted from the 15th century under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, representing the architectural style of the early Le Dynasty.
- Hau Lau
The image of Thang Long Imperial Citadel is even more clearly depicted in the intact architecture of Tinh Bac Lau (Hau Lau) which was a place to worship and maintain “feng shui” for the imperial citadel. Long after that, Hau Lau was also known as the residence of princesses and queens.
- North Gate
The North Gate was built earlier in the 19th century under the Nguyen Dynasty. This place was the place to defend the citadel, so when the French colonialists invaded, they proceeded to destroy part of the architecture of the citadel. Today, Cua Bac is the place to worship two heroes, Governor Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu. Around the North Gate, there are many other interesting attractions and places to visit in Hanoi.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a place that preserves many historical values of the nation. Including the values of architecture, history, culture, … Every year, this place still holds many important historical events. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long also sells tickets for visitors to come here to admire the ancient architectural beauty of this place.
Opening hours:
- The central relic of Thang Long Imperial Citadel is open every day of the week, except Monday.
- 8:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 17:00.
Ticket price:
- Adults: 30,000 VND/person
- Students, students and people over 60 years old: 15,000 VND/person
- Children under 15 years old: Free
Note:
- You should bring drinking water, because you have to move a lot.
- You remember to follow the general regulations of the Relic, and it is best to visit according to the guide map to be able to go to all the works.
- From the end of 2020, Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center – Hanoi has opened the night tour “Deciphering the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long”, building cultural stories in various forms, bringing many entertainment and more attractive for visitors to have new experiences when visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.