Vietnamese man spends seven years reappearing Hue Citadel in carved stone model

In the backyard area, Dr Nguyen Thanh Tung, 46, rebuild the complex of historic Hue Citadel of ratio 1:700. He carved stone and decorated the construction with plants to make the work look alive.
The “minimized Hue Citadel” including 151 architectures such as Forbidden city, Imperial city, Thien Mu Pagoda, Truong Tien bridge, Nguyen Dynasty’s king mausoleums… is reconstructed crisply and skillfully.  The grounds of the Imperial City are protected by fortified ramparts 2 kilometers by 2 kilometers, and ringed by a moat. The water in the moat is routed from the Perfume River through a series of sluice gates. This enclosure is the citadel (Kinh thành).
Inside the citadel is the Imperial City (Hoàng thành), with a perimeter wall some 2.5 kilometers in length. Within the Imperial City is the Purple Forbidden City (Tử cấm thành), a term similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Access to the innermost enclosure was restricted to the imperial family

In the backyard area of 1.000m2 (Hoang Huu Nam Str, Ho Chi Minh city), Dr Nguyen Thanh Tung, 46, rebuilds the historic complex of Hue Citadel of ratio 1:700.

The “minimized Hue Citadel” including 151 architectures such as Forbidden city, imperial city, Thien Mu Pagoda, Truong Tien bridge, Nguyen Dynasty’s king mausoleums… is reconstructed crisply and skillfully.

“I follow family coming to Sai Gon since the age of ten. Since then, I have yearned for the home country day by day. Once, it bothers my mom that her old-age would prevent her from returning Hue. So I decided to recreate the historic old capital for my mother to keep the home country in the eyes every day. Besides, I’m in high hope this replica would teach the young generation to preserve family customs and bear in mind of their root.” Tung said.

Since 2000, harboring the idea of a “minimized Hue Citadel”, Tung has met researchers in Hue and sought for the old craftsmen… At first, he tried to replica mausoleum, city… in wood but they were breaking down after few months. Then, with advise from some craftsmen, he switched to use stone from Bien Hoa.

In 2007, the result comes. The Inner court’s architectures such as Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa Palace, Co Ha garden… are reappeared vividly. Along the Huong Giang river lie imitate models of Truong Tien bridge, Thuong Bac temple, Thien Mu temle, Hon Chen palace

During 7 years, Tung faced with the disappointment, however the hope of his mother's happiness and the love with Hue encourage him not to give up. According to him, Ngo Mon, Ky Dai, Hieu Lam Cac are most difficult to recreate.

What makes the work become interesting is that it reappears all the damaged-in-war and abandoned constructions of Hue Citadel such as Co Ha Garden, Kien Trung palace, Can Chanh palace…, giving a comprehensive view of the Vietnamese old capital.

The small fine details prove the enthusiasm of Mr Nguyen Thanh Tung.

Khai Dinh Mausoleum is reappeared in vividly way, close to the real one.

Hon Chen Palace reflects itself in Perfume River. To make the “minimized Hue” closest to the reality, all the parts are carved in correct scale, direction and shape.

After nearly one decade of constructing, all the stone architectures covered by moss layers turn out to become more ancient. At free time, Tung and his mother spend time taking care of the work. “I hope it would last for centuries, becoming the useful knowledge source for the next generations.”, Tung shared.