The Feng Shui Role of Ngu Binh Mountain: The Natural Screen of the Imperial City of Hue

Ngu Binh Mountain, also known as Ngu Mountain or Bang Son, is a 103m high earthen mountain located on the south bank of the Perfume River, about 4km south of the Imperial City of Hue. The mountain has a trapezoidal shape with a flat top, flanked by two small mountains bowing towards it: Ta Phu Mountain and Huu Bat Mountain. This characteristic location and shape made Ngu Binh Mountain one of the most famous scenic spots, engraved on the Nhan Urn by King Minh Mang and included in the imperial poetry collection by King Thieu Tri.

In feng shui, Ngu Binh Mountain is considered a perfect front screen (Tien An), shielding the front of the Imperial City. The feng shui masters of the Nguyen Dynasty relied on this terrain to build the capital city according to a unique "armchair" layout.

• Protective screen: Ngu Binh Mountain rises from the flat land with a moderate height and balanced shape, creating a solid natural shield that protects the Imperial City from bad energy and brings stability.
• Sacred axis: The mountain lies on the main axis, also known as the central sacred axis, of the Imperial City of Hue, running straight in a Northwest - Southeast direction. This axis passes through important architectural structures such as the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace..., demonstrating the close link and central role of Ngu Binh Mountain in the overall planning.
• The primary screen: According to researchers, among the mountains serving as front screens for the Imperial City of Hue, Ngu Binh Mountain is the most prominent feature. Its ideal distance from the Perfume River, neither too close nor too far, has made it the "king's screen" – a paramount feng shui element.

With its unique shape and location, Ngu Binh Mountain has transcended its role as a scenic spot to become the protective screen and "king's screen" in the "armchair" terrain of the Imperial City of Hue, affirming its role as a core feng shui element that brought stability and prosperity to the Nguyen Dynasty.

Ngu Binh Mountain is an indispensable part of the "armchair" terrain of the Imperial City of Hue, harmoniously combining with other natural elements to create a complete feng shui system:

• Rear Black Tortoise: The majestic Truong Son mountain range behind the Imperial City forms the "rear headrest" position, solid like the back of a throne.
• Front Vermilion Bird: The area from the Perfume River to Ngu Mountain, with the river flowing gently by, forms the "front vermilion bird" position, bringing freshness and vitality to the capital.
• Left Azure Dragon and Right White Tiger: The two islets in the middle of the Perfume River, Hen Islet and Da Vien Islet, with the terrain of "long dragon, short tiger", symbolize the Left Azure Dragon and Right White Tiger bowing in homage, enhancing the majesty and stability of the Imperial City.

In the complete feng shui picture of the Imperial City of Hue, Ngu Binh Mountain is not merely a mountain but has become a solid natural screen, blending with the "rear headrest" of Truong Son, the "front vermilion bird" of the Perfume River, and the "Left Azure Dragon, Right White Tiger" of Hen Islet and Da Vien Islet, creating a unique "armchair" terrain that brought stability and prosperity to the dynasty.

In the flow of history, Ngu Binh Mountain has witnessed many ups and downs and become a part of the culture and pride of the people of Hue. Today, restoration and development plans are opening a new future where Ngu Binh Mountain can continue to be a cultural and ecological space for future generations to preserve and explore, affirming its status as a living and eternal heritage of the imperial city.

To fully understand its historical and feng shui values, visitors can join the Ngu Binh Mountain discovery tour by Sovaba Travel, a journey not only to admire the natural beauty but also to listen to the stories and profound meanings that this mountain has brought to the ancient capital.