Tinh Tam Lake

Tinh Tam Lake, located at the heart of the Imperial City of Hue, is a renowned and precious historical landscape. Situated on Dinh Tien Hoang and Tinh Tam streets in Dong Ba Ward, the lake was originally a section of the Kim Long River, transformed and named Pond Ky Te by the Nguyen Dynasty. In the third year of Emperor Minh Mang's reign (1822), it was officially renamed Tinh Tam to serve the royal family.

A Glimpse into 19th Century Landscape Art

Tinh Tam Lake is a testament to Vietnamese landscape art in the 19th century. The rectangular lake has a circumference of nearly 1,500 meters, surrounded by brick walls and featuring four main gates: Ha Huan, Dong Hy, Xuan Quang, and Thu Nguyet. There are three main islands: Bong Lai, Phuong Truong, and Doanh Chau, each boasting unique pavilions, halls, and towers.

Distinctive Beauty of the Islands

Bong Lai Island: Situated to the south, it is distinguished by Bong Doanh Temple, built with a three-compartment two-winged design, roofed with yellow-glazed tiles, and connected to the southern shore by Bong Doanh Bridge. The island also features Thanh Tam Pavilion and Trung Luyen Tower, creating a space that is both ancient and in harmony with nature.

Phuong Truong Island: This island has unique architecture with Nam Huan Pavilion and Bich Tao Bridge to the south, Hao Nhien House, and Duong Tinh Veranda on either side. Phuong Truong and Bong Lai islands are connected by Tu Dat Pavilion and a 44-compartment tiled corridor.

Doanh Chau Island: Located in the southern part of the lake, it includes Kim Oanh Dyke, Luc Lieu Bridge, and Thanh Tuoc Pavilion, where the king's royal boats were docked amidst beautiful natural scenery.

Surrounding Bong Lai and Phuong Truong islands are willow trees, bamboo, and white lotus, creating a peaceful and serene landscape.

Literary and Historical Significance

Tinh Tam Lake has been an inspiration for many poems by the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, including Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Tu Duc. Notably, Emperor Thieu Tri's poem “Tinh Ho Ha Hung” describes the lake's summer beauty with its fresh nature and lush greenery, evoking a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

Decline and Conservation Efforts

By the late 19th century, due to a lack of maintenance, many structures around the lake deteriorated. In 1946, the surrounding wall was lowered and replaced. Various structures were restored, including a small octagonal pavilion replacing the old Bong Doanh Temple in 1960 and a concrete bridge connecting Bong Lai Island to Kim Oanh Dyke.

National Heritage and Tourist Attraction

In 2004, Tinh Tam Lake was recognized as a national heritage site, affirming its cultural and historical value. Visitors to the lake can admire its unique architecture, immerse themselves in nature, and experience the tranquility in the heart of Hue.

If you're exploring Hue, don't miss Tinh Tam Lake. Here, you'll discover the timeless, harmonious beauty between people and nature, embodying the rich culture and history of Hue. It's an ideal destination for those who love freedom and exploration.