Kim Long Where the Nguyen Dynasty Began
The Folk Lord of Thien Mu Pagoda's Origin
Kim Long, the road leading to Thien Mu Pagoda today, was once named Quai du Père de Rhodes during the French colonial period. Before that, in the 17th century, Kim Long Ward was chosen as the capital by the Nguyen Lords. Its location next to the fragrant Perfume River, which always carries the scent of calamus grass, and its auspicious feng shui were highly regarded.
Hue's oldest pagoda, Thien Mu Pagoda, has a folk legend associated with the birth of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue. Long ago, Lord Nguyen Hoang was told in a dream by a celestial lady (Thien Mu in Chinese) to travel south. Upon finding a rocky outcrop with a pagoda, he was instructed to establish his capital there, as it possessed the essence of the dragon vein and feng shui conducive to a royal court.
This led to the founding of Thien Mu Pagoda. Although many historians believe this was a political strategy by the lord, it must be acknowledged that the feng shui and scenery of the protruding rock at Thien Mu Pagoda are indeed perfect, resembling a dragon watching the sunset over the Perfume River.
Residence of High-Ranking Officials
During the pre-Nguyễn period, Kim Long was chosen as the site for the private residences of several generations of the Nguyễn lords. Later, when the Nguyễn Dynasty was officially established, most of the highest-ranking officials were granted private mansions here. Among them was Lê Văn Duyệt, the closest advisor to the first Nguyễn emperor, Gia Long. He played a crucial role in establishing the emperor’s rule and in developing the governance of Gia Định (present-day Ho Chi Minh City). He is revered by the people of southern Vietnam as a hero and protector of the region, his temple was established by the local people in a central location near District 1 and is the largest ancestral temple in Ho Chi Minh City.
His private residence in Huế still exists today as a historical site, located on Phú Mộng Street, right near Ancient Hue.
‘Kim Long lắm Phủ nhiều Chùa,
Vườn hoa cây cảnh bốn mùa xanh tươi”
Which mean
'Kim Long has many mansions and pagodas,
Gardens of flowers and plants, ever green.'
And that same 'Quai du Père de Rhodes' road remains one of the most beautiful riverside walking paths, in my opinion. With sunsets that gradually transition from vibrant orange to Hue's characteristic purple hues.
Therefore, when staying at Ancient Hue, we encourage you to experience the feeling of strolling and chatting together along this riverside path - Kim Long.
