Rebuilding plan for ancient Hue palace

Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, in collaboration with Waseda University of Japan, has successfully completed a scaled-down replica of the Can Chanh Palace within Hue Citadel.

The Can Chanh Palace was originally erected in 1804 during the reign of King Gia Long before it was destroyed during the conflict in 1947. It was a significant venue for the King to host key ceremonies, engage with his court, and welcome foreign dignitaries. At its peak, it was the largest and most magnificent palace within the Forbidden Citadel. The 1:10 scale replica of the Palace is currently displayed in a showroom behind the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre in Hue Citadel. This exhibition is supplemented with extensive information about the restoration project, including archival photos, technical drawings, 3D models, and documentary films detailing the restoration process.

This initiative is part of a program that was launched in 1998, aimed at preserving the rich historical and cultural heritage of Hue, the former royal capital of Vietnam. The project received nearly US$10 million in funding from Japan for constructing the wooden replica of the palace. According to Phan Thanh Hai, the director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, the project holds significant importance for the city: “We aim to restore the entire palace and not only revive an architectural structure but also reinstate a cultural symbol of Hue.”