The Prime Minister has approved the largest-ever restoration project of Hue imperial citadel costing VND1, 274 billion (US$57 million), announced the People’s Committee of Thua Thien-Hue Province on March 21.

Minh Lau Temple.

The project aims to restore the national special cultural treasure as well as contributing in creating tourism products to attract more visitors and promoting the social economy of the province and neighboring areas.

The project is to be completed within 8 years, from 2014.

The Prime Minister has asked the local authorities to cooperate with the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance and relevant departments to carried out the project in accordance with the Law on Cultural Heritage, the Public Investment Law and other current regulations.

Hue ancient city is one of the most popular Vietnam destinations. The Hue ancient capital complex became the first in Vietnam to be recognised as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Since then, Hue city has made all efforts to preserve the heritage’s values and been appraised as a good example of heritage conservation.

According to director of the Hue Relic Conservation Center, Phan Thanh Hai, about VND800 billion was spent on restoring 100 architectural buildings since 1996, such as Thai Hoa Palace, Hien Lam Cac Pavillion, Dien Tho Palace, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, Truong Sanh Palace (Palace of Longevity), Tu Phuong Vo Su (peace in all directions) Pavilion and others.

SGGP