Architecture of Tinh Tam Lake in Hue: Serene Landscape and Ancient Royal Beauty

Tinh Tam Lake was laid out on a rectangular plan with a perimeter of nearly 1,500 meters. The highlights are the three islands: Bong Lai, Phuong Truong, and Doanh Chau, interconnected by a system of bridges, dikes, and pathways, creating a balanced and elegant layout. Surrounding the lake are four gates named after the four seasons: Xuan Quang, Ha Huan, Thu Nguyet, and Dong Hy, along with brick walls built using traditional techniques characteristic of the Nguyen Dynasty. In the middle of the lake lies Kim Oanh Dike running East-West, an ideal space for walking and sightseeing.

The special feature of Tinh Tam Lake is that it only cultivates the precious white royal lotus (sen ngu), combined with willows, bamboos, and royal structures to create a serene and harmonious space. The overall architecture is considered one of the masterpieces of Nguyen Dynasty landscape architecture, reflecting sophisticated planning thinking and the bond between humans and nature.

Tinh Tam Lake originated from Ky Te Lake, formed in the early Gia Long reign after renovating a section of the Kim Long River. Initially, the site contained two raised flats used as stores for gunpowder and saltpeter serving the imperial court. In 1838, under King Minh Mang, the two stores were relocated, and the lake was renovated into a royal garden reserved exclusively for the royal family and officially named Tinh Tam Lake. The complex quickly became one of the most beautiful gardens in the Imperial City of Hue.

Under the reign of Thieu Tri, Tinh Tam Lake was ranked among the "Twenty Views of Capital City" – 20 representative scenic spots of the Hue Capital. The beauty of the lake was also praised by the king in his poem "Tinh Ho Ha Hung", affirming the special artistic and cultural value of the work.

Through wars and time, many structures deteriorated. In 2004, Tinh Tam Lake was recognized as a National Monument (architectural art category). In recent years, restoration work and landscape revival have been accelerated, helping the lake gradually regain its inherent beauty as a famous royal garden of the Nguyen Dynasty.

The Tinh Tam Lake complex was elaborately planned with numerous royal structures distributed across three islands and a system of bridges and dikes surrounding the lake surface.

• Bong Lai Island is the center of the complex, prominent with Bong Doanh Pavilion, along with structures such as Thanh Tam Water Pavilion and Trung Luyen Tower, connected to the lake shore by ancient bridges.

• Phuong Truong Island is home to Nam Huan Pavilion, Tinh Tam Tower, Thien Nhien House, and Duong Tinh Veranda – structures that once served the rest and sightseeing activities of the king and royal family.

• Doanh Chau Island was designed as a miniature mountain in the middle of the lake, creating a landscape highlight and carrying feng shui significance in royal architecture.

Connecting the islands is Tu Dat Pavilion, a corridor system of 44 bays, along with bridges and pavilions on Kim Oanh Dike, creating a walking and sightseeing space characteristic of Nguyen Dynasty imperial gardens. Although many structures have been damaged over time, the overall layout with islands, bridges, and water surface remains preserved, helping Tinh Tam Lake retain its value as one of the landscape architectural masterpieces of the Ancient Capital of Hue.

Tinh Tam Lake takes on unique shades with each season of the year. Spring brings a lush green space filled with sprouting willows, bamboos, and vegetation. Autumn and winter impress with a tranquil lake surface and quiet scenery, ideal for strolling and enjoying peace in the heart of the Ancient Capital.

Most impressive is the white lotus season, usually lasting from May to early June. This is when the rare royal lotus blooms in unison, covering the lake surface with pure white flowers and delicate fragrance. Once used for royal tribute and scented royal tea, Tinh Tam Lake's white lotus not only holds cultural value but also creates a poetic scenery, becoming one of the characteristic symbols of the Ancient Capital of Hue every summer.

Everything belonging to Tinh Tam Lake, from majestic architectural structures to fragile lotus petals, blends into a beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. Tinh Tam Lake, a pinnacle of landscape architectural artwork, is not merely the heritage of a past dynasty, but also the soul of the ancient capital land. Though time passes, the lake remains there, quietly reflecting the essence of the ancient royal court, so that every local of Hue and visitor from afar passing by feels their heart settle down, as if finding peace and serenity within their own soul. Therefore, choose a Tinh Tam Lake tour to listen to profound stories and discover the poetic hidden corners of this royal garden. Undoubtedly, this journey will bring you memorable experiences and a complete appreciation for the beauty of the ancient capital of Hue.