HUE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
------------
MID-TERM ASSIGNMENT
Course: TOUR GUIDING OPERATIONS
Topic: KHAI DINH TOMB
Instructor: MA. Hong Thi Cuc Anh
Student:
Phan Thi Quynh Nhu (42) ID: 21F7510781
Nguyen Thanh Thanh (49) ID: 21F7510907
Le Thị Tra Giang (16) ID: 21F7510426
Hoang Ngoc Huyen (22) ID: 21F7510543
Le Thi Minh Chau (7) ID: 21F7510369
THUA THIEN HUE, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EMPEROR KHAI DINH
II. KHAI DINH ytgjkhuOMB
III. TAM QUAN GATE
IV. NGHI MON
V. BAI DINH YARD
1. Stele House
2. Salutation Court
3. Obelisks
VI. THIEN ĐINH PALACE
1. Left and Right Guard Rooms
2. Khai Thanh Hall
3. The King’s tomb
4. Shrine area
VII. THE ART OF THIEN DINH PALACE
1. An overview of ceramic mosaic art
2. Ceramic mosaic art in Thien Dinh Palace
3. The painting “Nine Dragons Hiding in Clouds”
VIII. CONCLUSION
I.
I. EMPEROR KHAI DINH:
Emperor Khai Dinh, whose real name was Nguyen Phuc Buu Dao (also known as
Nguyen Phuc Tuan), was the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. He was born on
October 8, 1885, and was the son of Emperor Dong Khanh and Empress Tien Cung
Duong Thi Thuc (Huu Thien Thuan Hoang Hau). He ascended the throne on May 18,
1916, at the age of 31, during a time when Vietnam was heavily influenced by French
colonial rule. Throughout his nine-year reign, Emperor Khai Dinh was known for his
focus on constructing palaces and tombs, such as Kien Trung Palace in the Imperial City
of Hue, An Dinh Palace, Hien Nhon Gate, Chuong Duc Gate,…
In 1922, he undertook a trip to France to attend the Exposition Coloniale de Marseille,
which left him in amazement of Western architecture and profoundly influenced his
artistic perceptions. This trip had a significant impact on the architecture and decorative
arts of the time, particularly evident in the Khai Dinh Tomb.
In the past, the Nguyen emperors believed that "life on earth is short and fleeting, while
life after death is eternal." This belief, known as "sinh ky tu quy" (sống gửi thác về), led
Emperor Khai Dinh to plan his tomb shortly, just four years after ascending to the throne,
at the age of 35. To create this monumental structure, he mobilized nearly 10,000 people,
including prisoners, soldiers, and skilled artisans. He ordered materials like cement and
steel from France and sent trading vessels to China and Japan to acquire ceramics,
porcelain, and glass. Additionally, to fund the construction of the tomb, he requested a tax
increase of 30% on land across the country from the French colonial government.
In 1924, he organized a grand Tứ Tuần Đại Khánh celebration for himself at the age of
40. However, a year later, he fell seriously ill and passed away at the age of 41 in 1925
II. KHAI DINH TOMB:
Nestled in the enchanting city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam's last feudal dynasty,
the Nguyen Dynasty, Khai Dinh Tomb stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage
and captivating history of this remarkable nation.
Lăng vua Khải Định tọa lạc trên triền núi Châu Chữ (Châu Ê), thuộc địa phận xã Thủy
Bằng, thị xã Hương Thủy. Núi Châu Chữ được chọn để xây dựng lăng dựa trên các yếu tố
phong thủy, trong đó yếu tố "tọa sơn hướng thủy" được coi là rất quan trọng. Lăng được
xây trên đồi núi thấp, lấy núi Tứ Tượng xa xa làm “tiền án”, bên trái là núi Kim Sơn làm
“Thanh Long” (Rồng Xanh), bên phải có dãy núi Chóp Vung làm “Bạch Hổ” (Hổ
Trắng), tạo ra thế "Tả Thanh Long, Hữu Bạch Hổ", và ngay sát dưới chân núi, trước mặt
lăng có dòng suối Châu Ê chảy từ trái sang phải, gọi là “thủy tụ”, là nơi tích phúc tụ lộc
cho con cháu, tạo nên yếu tố “Minh Đường” chầu vào lăng vua trong quan niệm phong
thủy. Vì vậy, Núi Châu Chữ vừa là “hậu chẩm”, vừa là mặt bằng của lăng.
Emperor Khai Dinh renamed Chau Chu Mountain to Ung Son, and hence the tomb is also
referred to as Ung Tomb. The Khai Dinh Tomb features a rectangular layout that
gradually ascends the hill, measuring 117 meters in length and 48.5 meters in width, with
a vertical layout consisting of 127 steps and five terraces. Although Ung Tomb is smaller
in size compared to other royal tombs, it took the longest time to complete—11 years,
from 1920 to 1931—and is considered one of the most architecturally beautiful tombs.
Upon entering the tomb, everyone will experience a sense of both the familiar and the
unfamiliar, as it represents a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles. The
artistic architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb breaks away from traditional designs and
introduces a new architectural style known as “neoclassical architecture” - “tân cổ điển”.
The entire structure is built with concrete and steel instead of lime, mortar or bricks.
Furthermore, the tomb exhibits influences from various architectural styles, including
Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman, and Gothic, which have left their marks on the structures
within the Khai Dinh Tomb.
III. TAM QUAN GATE:
Khai Dinh Tomb is a rectangular block, consisting of 127 steps. And in front of you is the
Tam Quan Gate, after that is Nghi Mon and Bai Dinh yard. The highest position is Thien
Dinh Palace. Around the tomb is a system of protective fences carved into crosses, like
churches in Rome. Visitors have to walk 37 steps to reach Tam Quan Gate. Tam Quan
Gate is located on the first floor of the mausoleum. Tam Quan Gate stands out with its
majestic and imposing architecture, and is the entrance to visit Khai Dinh Tomb, an
impressive architectural work, reflecting the combination of traditional style and Western
influence.
The gate has three doors, with the largest main door in the middle, creating solemnity.
One difference between the Khai Dinh mausoleum and other mausoleums such as the Tu
Duc or Minh Mang is that the gate is made of iron, which looks very modern at that time.
The Tam Quan gate architecture is elaborately decorated, with many elaborate carvings
and bright colors. Symbols such as dragons, phoenixes, etc. The dragon in Vietnamese
culture symbolizes strength, sacredness and royalty.The dragon is carved with soft lines,
coiled vividly, often with a strong expression. This image not only shows high sculpture
but also reflects the cultural and spiritual values of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Tam Quan gate is not only the entrance to the mausoleum but also a symbol of the
majesty of King Khai Dinh, showing the harmonious combination of nature and
architecture, bringing a sense of sacredness and solemnity to visitors when they come
here. This work includes Ta Tung Tu and Huu Tung Tu. This is the place to worship
heroes who have contributed to the country.
Ta Tung Tu and Huu Tung Tu of Khai Dinh Tomb are two architectural works located on
both sides of the entrance to the tomb.
Ta Tung Tu: A wooden house designed in the traditional style, with a tiled roof and
elaborate carvings. This work is not only a place of worship but also shows the solemnity
in the spiritual culture of the Vietnamese people. Inside, the decorative motifs are often
related to nature, such as flowers and birds, showing the harmony between humans and
nature.
Huu Tung Tu: Also has a similar architecture to Tung Tu, but often has different
decorative elements. Both works show majesty and elaborateness in design, bringing a
sense of serenity and solemnity to the tomb area.
The combination of carving art and harmonious layout makes Tung Tu and Huu Tung Tu
become important highlights in the space of Khai Dinh Tomb, contributing to the unique
cultural and historical value of this place.
IV. NGHI MON:
From Tam Quan Gate, you continue up 29 steps to reach Nghi Mon area. Nghi Mon of
Khai Dinh Tomb is the main gate leading to the tomb area, designed in traditional
architectural style with a blend of Western elements. Nghi Mon has three doors, of which
the main door is the largest, often used for the king.
The gate is elaborately decorated with carved motifs depicting dragons, phoenixes and
typical patterns of Vietnamese culture. Nghi Mon not only has architectural significance
but also shows the respect and majesty of King Khai Dinh. From here, visitors can feel
the beauty and solemnity of the tomb.
V. BAI DINH YARD (SÂN BÀI ĐÍNH:
1. Stele House (Bi Đình):
Salutation Court is one of the most impressive points of this mausoleum, which carries
deep artistic and spiritual values. It clearly reflects the fusion of Eastern and Western
cultures in the architecture of Khai Dinh’s Tomb.
In front of the Stele House stands Vu Mon, which is built according to the artistic
architecture of Confucianism, inspired by the story of “Carp jumping the Dragon Gate”.
Stele House is located at the center of the Bai Dinh yard, right in front of the three-step
staircase leading up to the higher areas of the mausoleum, creating a harmonious
connection between the architectural elements.
Stele House is an octagonal building with reinforced concrete, octagonal columns, and
arched doors in French Roman architecture. The roof has two tiers, curving slightly at the
top, embodying both traditional elements and a touch of French architectural influence.
The roof and columns are decorated with glazed tiles and reliefs of dragons and
phoenixes, symbolizing power and immortality. Inside, there is a stone tablet called
"Thánh Đức Thần Công" which stands 3.1 meters tall and weighs several tons, erected
by Emperor Bao Dai to honor the contributions of his father. The stone tablet inside is
made from green stone, inscribed with records of Emperor Khai Dinh’s life, career, and
achievements. The tablet also features motifs and patterns rich in the cultural and artistic
imprint of the Nguyen dynasty, as well as the sculpture and architectural art of Vietnam
during the feudal period.
2. Salutation Court (Sân chầu):
In front of Bai Dinh, statues of civil and military officials, soldiers, elephants, and horses
made of stone are arranged in four rows following the principle of “tiền văn, hậu
võ”,“tiền mã , hậu voi” totaling 24 statues. The front row features two civil officials,
followed by two military officials, while the back row showcases horse and elephant
statues, followed by six royal guards, all arranged to recreate the scene as when the king
was alive.
According to ancient beliefs, the exterior of a King's Tomb should be adorned with
numerous statues of soldiers, courtiers, as they were meant to accompany the king in
continuing to govern the land in the afterlife. Notably, each statue is crafted to a full-scale
ratio of 1:1. Besides, Khai Dinh’s Tomb is the last royal tomb of the Nguyen dynasty, the
sculptural details are more intricate and refined. These statues not only enhance the
majesty and vibrancy of the mausoleum but also vividly represent the culture and
customs of Vietnam from 1916 to 1925.
3. Obelisks (Trụ biểu):
On both the left and right sides of Stele House, stand two Obelisks over 10 meters tall,
constructed of cement and brick. The tops of the pillars feature Indian Stupa architecture,
while the four corners are adorned with decorative motifs influenced by Greek
architectural styles. These pillars are likened to two bright torches illuminating the path
for the king's soul in the afterlife, serving as a defining element of the mausoleum so that
visitors can see them from afar. However, one of two pillars has a small broken tip and
some peeling plaster due to damage from a thunderstorm. Fortunately, the damage was
minor, and the authorities implemented a repair plan that was completed in 10 days. This
is a unique combination of stone statues and pillars that bear the distinct mark of Indian
architecture.
VI. THIEN DINH PALACE:
After going through transitional floors 3 and 4 inside Khai Dinh Tomb, we will reach
Thien Dinh Palace on the highest fifth level. The Nguyen Dynasty's King Khai Dinh is
buried in this area that showcases his creativity, eccentric style and love of art.
Thien Dinh Palace, located at the fifth highest building in Khai Dinh Tomb, represents
the king's supreme authority. In traditional feng shui, a lofty position is regarded as an
area of concentrated power, suitable for kings and noblemen.
The palace is divided into three sections: The middle section includes Khai Thanh Hall,
the King's tomb, and the Shrine area is located in the back. The two side sections are the
Left and Right Guard Rooms.
1. Left and Right Guard Rooms:
The Left and Right Guard Rooms, located on each side of Thien Dinh Palace, were
lodgings and workspaces for tomb guards in charge of protecting Khai Dinh's tomb.
These areas serve as utility rooms for managing security and protecting the tomb
complex. The Right Guard Room, located to the right of Thien Dinh Palace, displays
magnificent European-style items, including a silver sword, incense buủner, clock….
Four mirror - portrait pictures of King Khai Dinh taken during his lifetime are vividly
shown on the room's walls.
2. Khai Thanh Hall:
Khai Thanh Hall, the mental center of Thien Dinh Palace, houses the altar and portrait of
King Khai Dinh. The walls are almost fully covered in ornate ornamental designs, with
the "Four Noble Plants" - plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo - representing the
four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The ceiling features a big artwork
named "Cửu Long Ẩn Vân" or "Nine Dragons Hidden in the Clouds" The number nine
represents the king's divine mandate and is considered a lucky number. Phan Van Tanh is
an artisan, who spent three years completing this painting. In the center is The Altar,
made from reinforced concrete and decorated with the Four Sacred Creatures (Dragon,
Qilin, Turtle, and Phoenix) symbolizing good fortune.
3. The King's tomb:
The king's tomb chamber is the most significant artistic feature of Thien Dinh Palace. The
tomb room, located in the heart of the palace, features a bronze statue of King Khai Dinh
created during the king's journey to France. The statue was created by two French artists
and shipped to Vietnam. Vietnamese artisans gilded around the statue. The statue,
completed in 1920, was made at a 1:1 ratio, which means it is life-size and matches the
king's original dimensions.
A unique feature of the king’s throne is a Precious Canopy made of cement inlaid with
porcelain, weighing over a ton yet appearing so delicate that it seems a light breeze could
gently sway it. The interior of the Canopy is decorated with a dragon holding the
character for "Longevity" in its mouth, representing the king's wish for a long life, known
as “Long hàm Thọ.” At each of the four corners, bats holding coins represent perfect
wealth. Surrounding the precious canopy, each side is adorned with nine large and tiny
dragons, symbolizing growth and reproduction. Behind the throne is an image of the
setting sun, signifying the king’s passing.
Currently, the king's remains are buried 9 meters below the statue. A 30 meter tunnel was
built underground from behind the Bi Đinh to the main hall of the tomb. Following the
king's death, his coffin was brought in through this tunnel, which was subsequently
permanently sealed. Among all the dynasties, Khai Đinh's Tomb is the only royal tomb
with a clearly defined place for the king's coffin.
4. Shrine area:
At the innermost part of the palace is the The Shrine area, where the tablet of King Khai
Đinh is enshrined. This is the most sacred area of the palace. The shrine area is a holy
space that honors and saves the king's soul, playing an important role in the spiritual
atmosphere of the tomb. Here, rituals and commemorative ceremonies are performed to
show respect and remember the contributions of the late king.
King Khai Đinh devoted himself to creativity, incorporating Western architectural
influences such as Roman, Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco into his tomb, creating a
unique structure that broke with the traditional style of previous Nguyen dynasty tombs.
King Khai Dinh also collaborated with renowned artisans, such as Phan Van Tanh, to
create an artistic masterpiece of great value, reflecting the king's artistic vision in building
a distinctive cultural heritage monument.
VII. THE ART OF THIEN DINH PALACE:
1. An overview of Ceramic Mosaic Art:
In the work “Phủ Biên tạp lục”, Lê Quý Đôn described Thuận Hóa province, now is Hue city
as: “Tường trong tường ngoài đều xây dày mấy thước, lấy vôi và mảnh sứ đắp thành hình
rồng, phượng, lân, hổ, cỏ hoa.” This is the art of ceramic mosaic, widely applied in imperial
architecture.
2. Ceramic Mosaic Art in Thien Dinh Palace:
The peak of ceramic mosaic art in the tomb is the interior decoration of Thiên Định Palace.
The walls in the palace were adorned by talented artisans. They used thousands of colorful
ceramic and glass fragments to create several vibrant reliefs, such as the tứ thời paintings, ngũ
phúc, bát bửu, flowers, and animals, especially dragons. With their skillful hands, the mosaic
images are not rigid but appear very elegant, and with the reflection of sunshine , they glow
beautifully.
Bửu tán: The “Bửu tán” is considered a masterpiece of this type of art. The entire of Bửu tán
is a concrete block weighing nearly a ton, but the exquisite ceramic mosaic artistry creates the
illusion that it is made of velvet, with soft, and vibrant curves that It seems to sway in the
wind.
The Sun Statue: Every small detail on the statue was meticulously crafted, from the
brightness of the gold and red to the softness of the blue and white. The color combination in
the Sun statue has contributed to highlight the spiritual and aesthetic value of Khải Định’s
tomb.
3. The painting “Nine Dragons Hiding in Clouds” - “Cửu long ẩn vân”:
The paintings were drawn by the imperial artisan Phan Văn Tánh and completed in three
years. They are depicted on the ceiling of the three central chambers of Thiên Định Palace,
creating an impressive space that blends traditional Vietnamese culture with European style.
Điều thú vị về bức “Cửu long ẩn vân”, “Để vẽ nên bức tuyệt tác này, nghệ nhân Phan Văn
Tánh đã nằm ngửa sát mặt trần, dùng 2 tay, 2 chân kẹp 4 cây cọ, miệng ngậm thêm một cây
nữa để vẽ tranh.” Một lần gặp vua đến thăm, trong khi mọi người đều hành lễ với vua thì
riêng nghệ nhân Tánh vẫn say sưa thực hiện tác phẩm. Khải Định nghĩ rằng ông này đã
không coi trọng mình và cho gọi Phan Văn Tánh xuống để hỏi tội rằng con rồng thể hiện uy
quyền sức mạnh của vua mà ông lại dùng chân để vẽ. Ông Tánh giải thích với lí do phải vẽ
bằng chân do khoảng cách giữa mắt và tay rất gần, ông không quan sát được độ đậm nhạt
của màu sắc cho nên kẹp chân ra xa hơn để nhìn được tổng quan bức tranh. Cũng chính vì
bức họa quá đẹp và đặc sắc nên vua Khải Định đã thốt lên rằng: "Nếu trên đời này mà có
đến 2 Phan Văn Tánh thì ta sẽ lấy đầu nhà ngươi!". Nhưng vì có 1 Phan Văn Tánh nên vua
đành chịu.
Strangely, although the paintings are hundreds of years old, they show no signs of spider
webs or insects, and the ink colors still remain fresh. This creates a fascinating story about
the painting materials and the way to preserve this heritage.
VIII. CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the Khai Dinh Tomb stands as a unique and striking blend of Eastern and
Western architectural styles, reflecting the personal tastes and complex legacy of Emperor
Khai Dinh. Unlike traditional imperial tombs in Vietnam, this mausoleum embraces both
cultural integration and grandeur, showcasing ornate European Baroque elements, modern
materials like cement, and traditional Vietnamese motifs. Through this presentation, we
highlighted how the tomb not only serves as a resting place but also as an artistic
masterpiece that tells a story of cultural transition during Vietnam’s colonial period. Its
detailed mosaics, vibrant interior decorations, and the emperor's self-portrayal within reflect
Khai Dinh’s desire to create a lasting legacy. Ultimately, Khai Dinh’s tomb stands as a
symbol of individuality, transformation, and an era marked by both admiration and
controversy. It leaves visitors with a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistic
vision embodied in this historical site, making it a significant destination in Vietnamese
cultural heritage.
