Hue: A Gentle Land in the Forbidden City

Hue, the ancient capital of central Vietnam, is more than just a geographical location to me. It feels like a melodious folk song, singing of history, culture, cuisine, and human warmth. Unlike the bustling Hanoi or the lively Nha Trang, Hue possesses a unique tranquility and gentleness, an elegance and composure that have settled over the course of history. My journey to Hue began on a sunny morning. As I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by the moist air carrying the fragrance of the earth and a faint scent of river water, which was refreshing. The scenery from the airport to the city already showcased Hue's unique charm: endless green rice fields, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, and occasionally, ancient temples standing quietly in the fields, as if telling old stories. After dropping off my luggage at the hotel, I couldn't wait to start my adventure. First, of course, was the Forbidden City—the Hue Imperial City. Unlike the grandeur of Beijing's Forbidden City, the Hue Imperial City is more exquisite and beautiful. Nestled by the mountains and rivers, its architecture blends Vietnamese local features with traditional Chinese elements. The red walls and yellow tiles, the carved beams and painted rafters, all exude royal elegance and dignity. Walking through the Imperial City, it felt like traveling back in time to a once-glorious dynasty. I stood in front of the Thai Hoa Palace, imagining the grand ceremonies held by the emperors; I strolled through the Royal Garden, feeling the tranquility and elegance of the royal gardens; I climbed the Heavenly Altar, overlooking the distant mountains and rivers, and felt a sense of openness. Leaving the Forbidden City, I walked along the Perfume River. The Perfume River, like a jade belt, winds through Hue, with beautiful scenery and lush greenery on both banks. Many locals were relaxing by the river, fishing, chatting, or playing cards, creating a peaceful and serene scene. I rented a small boat and drifted slowly on the river, feeling the breeze on my face and the warmth of the sun on my skin. The distant mountains reflected in the river, forming a beautiful picture. The boatman, a kind old man, introduced me to the history and culture of Hue in his broken English, his smile as warm as the sun, making me feel the hospitality of the people of Hue. In the afternoon, I visited the Thien Mu Pagoda. Built on a hill, the pagoda is majestic, with ancient and elegant architecture and a strong incense. Inside the pagoda, many Buddha statues are enshrined, and devotees pray sincerely, with a faint scent of sandalwood in the air. I sat quietly in the pagoda, feeling the tranquility and peace, and my heart was filled with calm and serenity. In the evening, I went to the Hue Night Market. The night market was bustling with people, with a wide variety of goods and delicious food. I tasted Hue's specialty noodle soup, with its savory broth, smooth noodles, and various toppings, leaving a lasting impression. I also tried various fruits, fresh and juicy, sweet and delicious. The night market also had many street performers, whose performances were wonderful, attracting many tourists to stop and watch. During my days in Hue, I not only experienced its history and culture but also enjoyed its food and scenery. Most importantly, I felt the hospitality of the people of Hue. They always had smiles on their faces and were willing to help, making me feel the warmth of home. On the day I left Hue, I felt reluctant to leave. This ancient city had deeply attracted me with its unique charm. Unlike other tourist cities, it is not noisy and impetuous; it possesses a unique tranquility and gentleness, an elegance and composure that have settled over the course of history. It is like a gentle woman, quietly telling old stories, waiting for people to discover its beauty and wonder. Hue is not just a city; it is a sentiment, a reverence for history, a love for culture, and a love for life. It has left a deep impression on my heart, and I will always remember this beautiful city and the emotions and joy it brought me. I look forward to returning here again to experience this gentle land in the Forbidden City. In addition to the Imperial City and the Perfume River, I also visited: * **Khai Dinh Tomb:** Compared to the Imperial City, Khai Dinh Tomb is more luxurious, blending Eastern and Western architectural styles. The interior decorations are exquisite, showcasing the wealth and power of the Vietnamese royal family. Visiting the tomb felt like flipping through a beautiful historical album, with every detail worth savoring. * **Minh Mang Tomb:** Minh Mang Tomb is grand and majestic, the most representative of Hue's many royal tombs. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the scenery is pleasant. Walking along the paths of the tomb, feeling the historical sediment, my heart was incredibly peaceful. Unlike the luxury of Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb is more solemn and dignified. * **Hai Van Pass:** Although it requires some time and effort, climbing Hai Van Pass is definitely worth it! Standing at the top, overlooking the winding coastline and the blue sea, the magnificent scenery is breathtaking. The sea breeze gently blows, making all worries disappear. After descending, you can taste the local seafood, fresh and delicious. * **Various Temples:** Besides Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue has many other temples, such as Tu Hieu Pagoda, each with unique architectural styles and historical stories worth exploring. In the temples, you can feel the profound heritage of Vietnamese Buddhist culture. * **Hue Market:** In the market, you can experience the most authentic local life and feel the enthusiasm and vitality of the locals. With a wide variety of goods, you can buy some local souvenirs. You can also taste some local snacks, which are affordable and authentic. In summary, the trip to Hue was full of surprises and emotions. It was not just a simple sightseeing tour but a spiritual cleansing, a deep understanding of history and culture, and a rethinking of life. I highly recommend everyone to visit Hue and experience the unique charm of this city!