Khai Dinh Tomb
Among the several royal tombs in Hue, Vietnam's beautiful historic capital, Khai Dinh's tomb stands out with its attractive combination of Asian and European influences. This tomb was erected in honor of Emperor Khai Dinh, the Nguyen Dynasty's twelfth king. Although this tomb is significantly smaller than the previous emperors' tombs, it is more artistically built. The architectural designs incorporate both Oriental and European elements. The tomb has elaborate dragon carvings and an honor guard of bodyguards, elephants, and horses going up to the entrance. The inside has a life-size bronze statue of the late Emperor.
Khai Dinh is the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, enthroned in 1916. He was also the last Nguyen dynasty monarch to build himself a "home in another planet." Khai Dinh mausoleum was built atop Chau Chu peak (also known as Chau E), about 10 kilometers from Hue. It took 11 years to build the Khai Dinh tomb, which began on September 4, 1920.
Some of the building materials were purchased in France (iron, steel, cement, and Ardoise tile) and Japan (porcelain and glassware). The tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh is smaller than other tombs in Hue, yet it is more intricate and time-consuming. It is a blend of East-West classic and contemporary architecture.
In general, Emperor Khai Dinh's mausoleum is a rectangular structure with up to 127 steps. Mountains and streams surround Emperor Khai Dinh's mausoleum, creating a spectacular natural setting and Feng-shui aspects. Thien Dinh palace, located at the highest point, is the major architecture of Emperor Khai Dinh's mausoleum. It is divided into five sections: sided apartments for bodyguards, the front palace named Khai Thanh, which is dedicated to the altar and portrait of Emperor Khai Dinh, the middle area, and the emperor's statue and cemetery. Behind the altar lies the late Emperor's altar.
The interior decor of Thien Dinh palace has the highest art value of all. Thien Dinh palace's three central chambers are embellished with china and bright glassware. The one-ton on the bronze statue, in particular, has lovely smooth curves. The late Emperor ordered that a bronze statue of Khai Dinh be built in France in 1922.
Location: Chau Chu Mountain, about 10 km away from Hue City.
