Tranquil Tranquility Lake – Majestic Garden beside Huế Imperial City

Tranquil Tranquility Lake, now situated in Thuận Thành ward, was originally a section of the Kim Long River that underwent transformation. In 1822, the Nguyen dynasty mobilized up to 8,000 soldiers to participate in the renovation, transforming the lake into a majestic garden outside the Royal Citadel.

Tranquil Tranquility Lake – Majestic Garden beside Huế Imperial City

The Past of Tranquil Tranquility Lake

Formerly, Tranquil Tranquility Lake was a remnant of the Kim Long River. After the construction of Huế Imperial City, the court ordered its transformation into Lake Ký Tế. The two floating docks in the lake were once used as storage for gunpowder and incense.

In the third year of Minh Mang's reign, the king mobilized up to 8,000 soldiers to work tirelessly day and night to renovate Lake Ký Tế, rebuilding it into a place of leisure. Subsequently, Lake Ký Tế was renamed Tranquil Tranquility Lake and became the most romantically picturesque garden within Huế Imperial City.

The lake takes the shape of a rectangle with a perimeter of 1500m. Three islands, Bong Lai, Phuong Truong, and Doanh Chau, grace its waters, separated from the outside by a brick wall.

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. Willows, bamboo, exotic flowers, and grasses adorn the islands and shores, while lotus blooms beneath the surface.

The most striking feature is Bong Lai Island in the south. At its center stands Bong Doanh Pavilion, a three-section, two-roofed architectural marvel with tiled roofs. Facing south, the pavilion is surrounded by brick railing, while Bong Doanh Bridge connects the island to the southern shore.

To the east of Bong Doanh Pavilion lies Thanh Tâm Water Terrace, while to the west stands Trừng Luyện Pavilion, facing west. To the north are Hong Cu Gate and Bridge.

Tranquil Tranquility Lake is a harmonious blend of natural scenery and intricate architectural marvels. Ancient designers shaped the lake into a heart (心) with its curved outline forming the lake's main feature, and three dots representing the prominent islands, creating a picturesque calligraphic masterpiece reminiscent of mythical paradises.

In ancient times, the lake was designed in the shape of a large heart (心), with its curved outline representing the main body of the lake and three dots symbolizing the three prominent islands, creating a calligraphic masterpiece of nature akin to an otherworldly paradise.

The captivating scenery of Tranquil Tranquility Lake has long enchanted many, inspiring literary works by kings Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, and more.

Among these works are ten poems titled 'Ten Scenes of Bac Lake' by King Minh Mang. In a collection of twenty poems praising the beautiful landscapes of the Divine Capital, King Thieu Tri placed Tranquil Tranquility Lake third. The king also had poems and scenes of the lake printed to be displayed in palaces.

Revitalizing the rare lotus species in Tranquil Tranquility Lake

In the past, the waters of Tranquil Tranquility Lake were crystal clear, adorned with numerous sacred lotus flowers. During the blooming season, the fragrance of lotus filled the air. The sacred lotus is a type of lotus with numerous light pink petals, considered the noblest among all lotus flowers.

Not only did the lake boast beautiful flowers, but the quality of its lotus seeds was also superior to others. The seeds were both elastic and fragrant, a specialty found nowhere else. In ancient times, only kings and nobles were privileged to enjoy delicacies made from this rare lotus variety.

Perhaps it is for this reason that the presence of the rare lotus species on the lake's surface leaves the most profound impression on the people of Hue and tourists alike whenever they contemplate this scene.

In 2020, Tranquil Tranquility Lake underwent revitalization by the city government after years of pollution and deterioration. One of the crucial tasks was reintroducing the white lotus variety that had once thrived here.

Cultivating the white lotus variety was no easy feat, as these lotuses are quite 'royal,' intolerant to dirty water... Hue Organic Viet Co., Ltd. collaborated with local residents to revive the white lotus variety, hoping to restore Tranquil Tranquility Lake to its original glory.

Now, the white lotus plantation blooms with pure flowers amidst Tranquil Tranquility Lake. Producing fragrant blossoms is a long story. Extensive research and effort were put into revitalizing the lakebed, treating residual plant growth, and leveling the lake floor...

Most economically driven farmers tend to avoid planting the white lotus variety due to its low productivity and small flowers. However, many aspire to restore the value of this precious flower from ancient times. Thus, cultivating these flowers is more of a cultural and commemorative endeavor than a commercial one.

After successful trial planting, the lotus flowers in Tranquil Tranquility Lake have reached the harvesting stage. The lotus is used to make tea directly in the lake and harvested to serve tourists, contributing to the spread of Hue lotus products.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour