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Kinh Thien Palace is considered the most prominent feature within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex. Visiting this site with BDATrip offers travelers an opportunity to explore Vietnam's rich history, culture, and distinctive architectural artistry, preserved through the centuries.
Detailed Address: Kinh Thien Palace is located at 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
From Doan Mon Gate, visitors enter the expansive grounds of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Here, they will find Long Tri – a large, solemn courtyard commonly known as the Dragon Yard. Moving forward, one arrives at Kinh Thien Palace, the heart and central highlight of the entire heritage area.
To reach Kinh Thien Palace, visitors can choose various transportation methods, such as motorbikes, taxis, or buses. For local tourists, motorbikes and taxis are convenient options for direct access to the main gate of the site. If taking a bus, check routes that pass Hoang Dieu Street to save costs and experience Hanoi’s public transportation.
Kinh Thien Palace was the most significant building in the Forbidden City at Thang Long, symbolizing the supreme power and residence of emperors from the Le Dynasty, spanning the 15th to the 18th centuries. This palace was not only where the king and court convened but also a symbol of supreme authority, embodying the unique court architecture and cultural style of the Dai Viet period. Despite many historical events that have altered the original structure, the remaining foundations still showcase its grand and dignified essence, preserving invaluable historical values of the nation.
Kinh Thien Palace was constructed in 1428 under the reign of King Le Thai To and completed under King Le Thanh Tong, as recorded in the “Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu” chronicles. Situated on Nung Mountain, a central position in Thang Long Capital, the palace was built atop the former site of Can Nguyen Palace from the Ly and Tran dynasties – an enduring symbol of political power across feudal periods.
During the Ly, Tran, and Le periods, this area was developed into a fortified stronghold serving as the political and military hub of the capital. The most crucial part was the Forbidden City, also known as Long Thanh or Long Phuong Thanh. Structures such as Can Nguyen Palace, Thien An Palace in the Ly and Tran eras, and Kinh Thien Palace in the Le era were all established here, highlighting the area’s role in preserving the supreme power of the feudal dynasties. By 1788, after King Quang Trung relocated the capital to Phu Xuan – Hue, followed by the Nguyen Dynasty also setting the capital there (1802–1945), the Thang Long Citadel became the northern headquarters for Bac Thanh, taking on military and administrative duties for Northern Vietnam.
In 1805, Emperor Gia Long built a temporary royal residence here for his northern journeys. In 1831, during King Minh Mang’s significant administrative reform, Hanoi Province was officially established with Hanoi Citadel as its headquarters, and the Thang Long Citadel area became known as “Hanoi Ancient Citadel.” In the late 19th century, under French colonial rule, the French demolished the Kinh Thien Palace residence and built an artillery command headquarters in its place, called the Dragon House (or Long Tri), decorated with dragon statues that guarded both the front and rear.
After October 10, 1954, when our military took over the capital, this area became the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense. In 2004, the Ministry of Defense transferred part of the central Thang Long Imperial Citadel area to the Hanoi People’s Committee, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the historical and cultural value of the Citadel.
In 1886, Kinh Thien Palace was destroyed, and today, only its foundation and steps remain. Based on late 19th-century photographs taken by the French, the original architecture of Kinh Thien Palace appeared as a finely crafted wooden structure composed of two buildings arranged in the shape of the Chinese character “二” (meaning “two”). This structure featured two tiers with eight roofs and gracefully curved roof corners, a hallmark of the Le Dynasty's palace architecture. The ridges of both houses were adorned with majestic dragon figures surrounding a sun emblem, symbolizing strength and authority. The palace was surrounded by a vast courtyard with sturdy railings, creating a dignified atmosphere for the central area.
The current foundation of Kinh Thien Palace is 57 meters long, 41.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high, with three entrances at the front. The palace’s southern side features the main stone steps, built from solid stone blocks. The stairway consists of ten steps, with four stone dragon statues divided into three symmetrical paths, forming an imposing corridor known as the Dragon Stairs.
On either side of the main stairway are stone dragons with carvings from the Le Trung Hung period (17th–18th centuries). Each stone dragon measures 3.4 meters in length, with seven curving segments. The dragon’s body is covered in scales, with claws featuring five sharp talons, and the back resembles a fish fin, giving it a majestic and lifelike appearance. These stone dragons are regarded as a masterpiece of sculpture, representing the court architecture of the early Le period and showcasing the refined technique and aesthetic sensibility of ancient artisans. The stone dragons of Kinh Thien Palace are not only a symbol of royal authority but also an invaluable artistic heritage, epitomizing the style and pinnacle of sculptural art from that era.
This concludes an introduction to Kinh Thien Palace, providing insights to help readers better understand this historic site. When visiting Hanoi, do not miss the chance to explore Kinh Thien Palace to witness its exquisite architecture and precious ancient relics, which preserve the longstanding memories and traditions of the Dai Viet nation during the Le Dynasty.
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