Tinh Tam Lake – Majestic Royal Garden near Hue Imperial City

Tinh Tam Lake, now situated in Thuận Thành ward, was originally a section of the Kim Long River creatively transformed. In 1822, the Nguyen dynasty mobilized 8,000 soldiers to partake in the revitalization, turning the lake into a majestic royal garden outside the Imperial Citadel of the royal court.

Tinh Tam Lake – Majestic Royal Garden near Hue Imperial City

The Historical Charm of Tinh Tam Lake

In the past, Tinh Tam Lake witnessed the history of the Kim Long River. After the construction of Hue Imperial City, the royal court transformed it into Ky Te Lake. The two floating wharves on the lake were once used to store firearms and fireworks.

In the third year of Minh Mang's reign, the monarch mobilized 8,000 soldiers day and night to revitalize Ky Te Lake, transforming this place into a poetic retreat. Subsequently, Ky Te Lake was renamed Tinh Tam Lake and became the most picturesque royal garden of Hue Imperial City.

The lake takes on a rectangular shape with a circumference of 1500m. Three islands, Bồng Lai, Phương Trượng, and Doanh Châu, grace the lake, enclosed by a circular brick wall from the outside.

The lake boasts four entrances: Hạ Huân to the south, Đông Hy to the north, Xuân Quang to the east, and Thu Nguyệt to the west. Surrounding the islands and along the lake's edge are plantations of willows, bamboo, rare flowers, and beneath the water's surface, a garden of lotuses and water lilies.

The most striking feature is Bồng Lai Island to the south. In the center stands Bồng Doanh Palace, an architectural gem with three compartments and two roofs, traditional diagonal ridges, and tiled roofing. The palace faces south with a brick railing surrounding it, and Bồng Doanh Bridge connects the island to the southern shore of the lake.

To the east of Bồng Doanh Palace lies the Thủy tạ Thanh Tâm residence, while to the west stands the Trừng Luyện tower, facing west. In the north, there is the Hồng Cừ gate and bridge.

Tinh Tam Lake is a comprehensive architectural ensemble, blending various artistic structures within the pre-existing natural landscape. It showcases the harmonious integration of human ingenuity with the innate beauty of nature.

In ancient times, when designing the lake in the shape of a large Heart (心), the curved lines formed the main body of the lake. The three dots represented the three prominent islands, creating a calligraphic masterpiece of nature resembling an immortal scene.

The enchanting beauty of Tinh Tam Lake has captivated many from the beginning, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and subject matter for kings such as Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, who composed literary masterpieces.

Among these works is a collection of ten poems titled 'Northern Lake in Ten Scenes' by King Minh Mang. In his poetic celebration of the 20 beautiful landscapes of Thuan Thanh, King Thieu Tri ranked Tinh Tam Lake third. The monarch also had the verses and the lake's panorama printed to adorn various palaces.

Revamping the rare lotus species in Tinh Tam Lake

In the past, the waters of Tinh Tam Lake were crystal clear, adorned with numerous Pink Water Lilies that bloomed fragrantly. Pink Water Lily is a type of lotus with many small light pink petals, considered a noble variety among all lotus flowers.

Not only did the lake showcase beautiful blossoms, but the quality of the lotus seeds in Tinh Tam Lake also surpassed that of other varieties. The seeds were both tender and exceptionally aromatic, unlike anything found elsewhere. Only kings and nobility were privileged to savor the delicacies derived from this precious lotus.

Perhaps, it's the rarity of this esteemed lotus variety adorning the lake that leaves the most lasting impression on the hearts of both the locals and tourists whenever they behold this picturesque scene in Hue.

In 2020, Tinh Tam Lake underwent city government revitalization after a long period of pollution and deterioration. One crucial aspect was the cultivation of the white lotus variety that once graced its waters.

Cultivating the white lotus proved to be no simple feat, as this particular species is rather 'royal' and intolerant to dirty water. Hue Organic Vietnam Co., Ltd. collaborated with local residents to revive the white lotus variety, aspiring to restore Tinh Tam Lake to its original splendor.

Now, the field of white lotus has bloomed with pure and fragrant flowers amidst Tinh Tam Lake. Achieving these blossoms was a lengthy journey. Rigorous research and efforts were dedicated to rehabilitating the lake's bottom, treating lingering plant sprouts, and leveling the lakebed.

Farmers cultivating lotus for economic purposes typically avoid the white lotus due to its low productivity and small blossoms. Nevertheless, there's a desire among many to resurrect the value of this precious flower from the past. Thus, growing flowers with cultural significance and historical reminiscence takes precedence over commercial interests.

Following successful trial cultivation, the lotus flowers at Tinh Tam Lake have entered the harvesting phase. The lotus is infused into tea right in the middle of the lake and harvested to serve tourists with lotus tea, contributing to the broader reach of Hue's lotus products.

As reported by Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour