Lac Duong - The epitome of excellence in China

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Peony flowers in Lac Duong are hailed as the most exquisite, making it the sole city boasting an ancient tomb museum in China.

Lac Duong - The epitome of excellence in China

I used to jest with friends that I spent my youth capturing photos of flowers, so visiting Lac Duong in April was solely for its peony flower festival. The peony is China's national flower, predominantly planted in Lac Duong City, Hanoi province. Here, you'll find the symbol of peony flowers ubiquitous, even adorning street lamps. The Chinese dub Lac Duong as 'The millennium capital, peony flower city', or 'Lac Duong, where the world's most beautiful peony flowers bloom'.

Peony symbolizes wealth, luck, happiness, and prosperity. Notable places to admire peony flowers include: Vương Thành Park, Tùy Đường Botanical Reserve, National Peony Park. During the peony flower festival (April 1 - May 5), ticket prices for scenic spots in parks range from 10 to 50 yuan depending on the time (approximately 35,000 - 170,000 VND).

Furthermore, this ancient capital still holds many other intriguing facets. Rewinding through time, Lac Duong is the cradle of the Huaxia civilization, one of China's 'Four great ancient capitals'. Throughout history, 13 legitimate dynasties designated Lac Duong as their capital, thus, there are numerous relics and scenic spots that captivate tourists.

Minh Duong and Heaven's Gate

In the heart of Lac Duong city lies the historical site of Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate. In 690, Vo Tac Thien proclaimed himself emperor, establishing the capital in Lac Duong and renaming it to Divine Capital. Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate was constructed around that time. Minh Duong served as the venue for imperial rituals, including ceremonies to pay homage to the heavens and earth or to host courtiers. Heaven's Gate was the tallest tower in Lac Duong then, with 9 floors, serving as a place of worship for Buddha.

However, due to wars, this relic was all but destroyed. It wasn't until 1986 that archaeologists discovered traces of the Minh Duong archaeological site dating back nearly 1300 years. Today, Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate in Lac Duong has been reconstructed. They have retained the original appearance of Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate based on ancient drawings, preserving the old foundation of Minh Duong for visitors to explore.

This place now resembles a museum, where you can learn about the architecture of Minh Duong through various periods, rituals of worship to the heavens and earth, watch artistic performances, or witness excerpts from 'Judge Dee's Trials'...

Bach Ma Pagoda

A visit to Lac Duong wouldn't be complete without stopping by Bach Ma Pagoda, as it is the first pagoda built in China. The pagoda was constructed in 68 AD, marking the spread of Buddhism throughout the country. Bach Ma Pagoda has undergone numerous renovations, boasting beautiful grounds and being a popular tourist spot in Lac Duong.

Dragon Gate Stone Cave

Dragon Gate Stone Cave, also known as Long Mon Stone Sculptures, can be regarded as the most fascinating tourist spot in this city. It is a complex of stone sculptures classified as national treasures in China, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. In terms of artistry, many people often compare Dragon Gate Stone Cave in Lac Duong to the Mural Paintings in Dunhuang. Stretching over a kilometer long, Dragon Gate Stone Cave consists of 2,345 caves, including around 100,000 carved statues.

Dragon Gate Stone Cave is located next to the Y River – a branch to the south of the Hoang Ha River. Looking at the picturesque scenery on both sides of the river, few would imagine that in 293 BC, it was also the site of the most ferocious Y Khuat battle in the history of the Warring States period.

From Dragon Gate Stone Cave, crossing the Mạn Thủy Bridge and turning left will lead you to Huong Son Pagoda. Here, you will somewhat understand why the poet Bach Cu Di is also known as 'the Hermit of Huong Son.' In his later years, the poet retreated to seclusion, donating money to rebuild Huong Son Pagoda. It is said that he often came to the pagoda to discuss with the monks. Not far from Huong Son Pagoda is Bạch Viên, the residence of Bach Cu Di. In August 846, after the poet passed away, his tomb was also buried here.

Lac Duong Ancient Tomb Museum

Lac Duong is the only place in China with an Ancient Tomb Museum because, in terms of feng shui geography, this land was chosen as the resting place for emperors, officials, and literati. Famous tombs in Lac Duong include: Ba Di, Thuc Te, To Tan, Truong Nghi, La Bat Vi, Tran Binh, Truong Luong, Quan Vu, Dich Nhan Kiet, Bach Cu Di, Do Phu...

The Ancient Tomb Museum offers free admission, but if you wish to use the automatic guidance system, you can rent headphones for 20 yuan per person (70,000 dong). The exhibition areas within the tombs are all located underground, where you will experience a sense of solemnity, coldness, and mystery...

The Ancient Tomb Museum is divided into several sections introducing burial customs, rituals, artifacts, burial forms, murals, and sculptures from various historical periods, such as the Qin-Han era, Northern Wei, and Tang dynasty...

Le Canh Gate - pedestrian street and culinary paradise

Located in the center of Lac Duong is Le Canh Gate, the western gate bearing traces of ancient Lac Duong. Passing through the gate leads to a pedestrian street and culinary paradise known as 'heaven above, food below.' Here, don't forget to try the Shuixi dish, a dish over 1000 years old unique to Lac Duong. Shuixi is a type of food (similar to Vietnamese soup) cooked in a thick sauce with various flavors of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet for you to choose from.

Perhaps someone who enjoys exploring culture and history, I have many impressions when visiting historical sites, rather than admiring peony flowers. It's the emotion of discovering a city that was once an ancient capital, visiting famous historical sites to learn more about the past, culture, and lives of famous figures... Who knows, you may empathize with me, come to Lac Duong and feel like touching history.

According to Trinh Hien Thuong/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour

MytourMay 4, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lac Duong famous for peony flowers in China?

Lac Duong is renowned for its stunning peony flowers, which are celebrated during the annual peony flower festival held from April 1 to May 5. The city is recognized as the only location in China with an Ancient Tomb Museum and is often referred to as 'the millennium capital' or 'peony flower city.' The peony, a symbol of wealth, luck, and happiness, can be seen throughout the city, enhancing its allure.

What historical significance does Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate hold in Lac Duong?

Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate is a significant historical site, established in 690 when Vo Tac Thien declared Lac Duong as the capital. It served as a venue for imperial rituals and was the tallest structure of its time. Though much was destroyed in wars, archaeological discoveries in 1986 led to its reconstruction, preserving its historical architecture for visitors to explore.

What are the key attractions to visit during the peony flower festival in Lac Duong?

During the peony flower festival, visitors can explore notable attractions such as Vương Thành Park, Tùy Đường Botanical Reserve, and National Peony Park. Ticket prices for these scenic spots range from 10 to 50 yuan, offering a chance to witness the vibrant beauty of peony flowers while enjoying various cultural experiences in Lac Duong.

Is it necessary to rent headphones at the Ancient Tomb Museum in Lac Duong?

Yes, renting headphones at the Ancient Tomb Museum is advisable if you want to enhance your experience with the automatic guidance system. While admission is free, the headphones cost 20 yuan per person, providing valuable insights into the burial customs and artifacts on display in this unique museum.

What unique culinary experience can visitors enjoy at Le Canh Gate in Lac Duong?

At Le Canh Gate, visitors can indulge in a unique culinary experience featuring Shuixi, a traditional dish over 1000 years old. This flavorful dish is similar to Vietnamese soup, prepared with a thick sauce offering various tastes, including sour, spicy, salty, and sweet, making it a must-try for food lovers exploring the local cuisine.

How can visitors explore the history of Lac Duong beyond peony flowers?

Visitors to Lac Duong can delve into the city's rich history by exploring its historical sites, including Minh Duong - Heaven's Gate, Bach Ma Pagoda, and the Dragon Gate Stone Cave. These locations offer a glimpse into the architectural marvels and cultural significance of this ancient capital, providing a deeper understanding of its historical context beyond the beauty of peony flowers.

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