Hue's heritage conservation authorities have proposed a large-scale restoration project for the Imperial Citadel wall after centuries of weather exposure left several sections at risk of collapse.
The proposed project, estimated at VND 80 billion (USD 3.1 million), will be implemented between 2026 and 2028. It includes the preservation, restoration and reinforcement of more than 2.4km of the Imperial Citadel wall and over 5.7km of deteriorated stone embankments, walls and railings surrounding the Ngoai Kim Thuy moat outside the royal enclosure.
Several sections along the Hue Imperial Citadel wall have had to be supported with steel frames amid the risk of collapse (Photo: Vi Thao).
According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Project Management Board, 12 locations along the citadel wall have been identified as facing a high risk of structural failure. Temporary steel support frames have been installed along all four sides of the monument to prevent potential collapses.
Warning signs have also been erected to restrict public access to hazardous areas.
The monument management unit has erected danger warning signs at vulnerable points (Photo: Vi Thao).
The latest restoration effort follows the collapse of a section of the northern citadel wall on November 2, 2025, after prolonged heavy rainfall and flooding. The damaged section, located approximately 180m from Hoa Binh Gate, measured 14.2m in length and had an average height of 4.3m.
Following the incident, the Hue municipal government approved an emergency repair project valued at nearly VND 1.9 billion (USD 73,000), including more than VND 1.2 billion (USD 46,000) allocated for construction works. The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre was appointed as the project investor.
A section of the Hue Imperial Citadel wall previously collapsed under the impact of rain, flooding and the moat system inside and outside the structure (Photo: Vi Thao).
Construction of the Imperial Citadel wall began in 1804 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. The structure forms the second defensive ring surrounding the royal enclosure and stretches approximately 2.46km.
Conservation officials said many sections of the wall now show signs of cracking, tilting, subsidence, surface erosion and declining structural strength after more than 220 years of exposure to natural conditions.
They warned that without timely intervention, the damage could worsen and threaten the integrity of one of Vietnam's most significant cultural heritage sites.
