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Khiêm Lăng is located in a valley within the Thủy Xuân district of Hue City. It stands as one of the most remarkable architectural creations of the Nguyễn dynasty, serving as the final resting place for Emperor Tự Đức.
The romantic tomb of the poet-king.
Tự Đức reigned for 36 years, making him the longest-serving monarch among the 13 Nguyễn emperors. Born Nguyễn Phúc Hồng Nhậm, he was the second son of Emperor Thiệu Trị. Emperor Tự Đức was a king with the soul of a poet, kind-hearted, loving toward his people, and patriotic. However, he was frail in health and often melancholic in disposition. To escape the pressures of his reign, Tự Đức commissioned the construction of Khiêm Lăng as a second retreat for solace and to prepare for the possibility of an unexpected passing.
The tomb of Emperor Tự Đức is the fourth royal tomb of the Nguyễn dynasty and one of the four grandest tombs. Originally named Vạn Niên Cơ at the start of its construction, it was later renamed Khiêm Cung by the emperor. After his death, it was called Khiêm Lăng. The tomb complex consists of two main sections, aligned along two parallel axes. The site itself resembles a grand park, with flowing streams and the sound of pines whispering year-round.
The entire tomb complex covers more than 220 hectares, stretching from the Vọng Cảnh hill to the peak of Lao Khiêm Sơn. The inner tomb area itself spans about 1 hectares and is enclosed by a 1,823-meter-long stone wall. Construction took several phases, spanning 38 years, and involved 3,000 soldiers and craftsmen.
The structures within Khiêm Lăng
Nearly 50 structures within the tomb bear the word 'Khiêm' in their names. After passing through the Vụ Khiêm Gate and the Sơn Thần Temple, a path leads into the worship area. This was once the place for the king's rest and recreation. To the left is Chí Khiêm Đường, where the king's wives were honored. Next are three stone steps leading to the Khiêm Cung Gate. Hồ Lưu Khiêm, originally a small stream, was expanded into a lake. In the middle of the lake lies Tịnh Khiêm Island, where flowers were planted and animals kept. On the lake, there are Xung Khiêm Pavilion and Dũ Khiêm Pavilion, where the king would compose poetry, read books, and relax.
Inside the Khiêm Cung Gate lies the king's resting area. In the center is the Hòa Khiêm Hall, where the king would conduct business. To the left and right are Pháp Khiêm Vu and Lễ Khiêm Vu, which were reserved for the civil and military officials. Behind Hòa Khiêm Hall is Lương Khiêm Hall, dedicated to the spirit of Queen Mother Từ Dũ, the mother of Emperor Tự Đức. To the right of Lương Khiêm Hall is Ôn Khiêm Đường, where the royal belongings were stored.
To the left of Lương Khiêm Hall is the Minh Khiêm Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Vietnam still in existence. A corridor leads from Ôn Khiêm Đường to the Trì Khiêm and Y Khiêm Institutes, which served as the quarters for the concubines. Nearby are Tùng Khiêm Institute, Dung Khiêm Institute, and the royal deer garden.
The second retreat of Emperor Tự Đức
Although Khiêm Lăng is a burial site, it truly functions as a second retreat for Emperor Tự Đức. The complex contains nearly all the facilities needed for daily living, work, and rest. In 2020, Khiêm Lăng became the first heritage site in Vietnam to be selected by Google for inclusion in Google Search using augmented reality (AR) technology.
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnAugust 5, 2024
