Hai Van Gate: "The World’s Most Marvelous Wonder" in Central Vietnam

Many tourists, including foreigners, flocked to Hai Van Gate, dubbed "The World’s Most Marvelous Wonder" in Central Vietnam, on its reopening day Thursday, after three years of renovati

Written by ANH Dang Updated on 07-08-2024

Comments

Table of contents

Hai Van Gate reopens for free, offering historical and natural splendor.
Historical Significance of Hai Van Gate
Natural Splendor of Hai Van Gate.

Hai Van Gate reopens for free, offering historical and natural splendor.

Located 490 meters above sea level, Hai Van Gate, perched atop its namesake pass, holds deep historical, architectural, and artistic value. It connects Da Nang's Lien Chieu District with Lang Co Town in Thua Thien-Hue.

Hai Van Pass traverses Bach Ma (White Horse) Mountain and a part of the Truong Son range. Its Vietnamese name refers to the mists that rise from the sea and frequently cover the pass, creating a majestic and mysterious landscape.

On August 1, the historic site reopened to the public. Many domestic and international tourists arrived early, eager to visit the site post-renovation.

*On Thursday, August 1st, the historical site was reopened for free.*

Hai Van Gate stands approximately 490 meters above sea level. The stone walls, weathered by sun and rain over the years, are blanketed with moss, giving them an aged look.

The main office, formerly used to house the soldiers stationed at the site, is situated right behind the main gate.

*Located behind the main office is a three-room armory that was used to store and maintain weapons.*

Visitors ascend the stairs to reach the highest watchtower. To protect the historical site, security guards must place barriers to control the number of people.

Inside the main office, information about the site is provided in both Vietnamese and English, allowing visitors to learn about it before exploring the entire structure.

*In the near future, these signs will be equipped with QR codes in multiple languages so that visitors can easily access the information.*

Historical Significance of Hai Van Gate

The relic complex was built in 1826 under the reign of King Minh Mang (1791-1841) of the Nguyen dynasty, who ordered the construction of multiple defensive structures on Hai Van Pass to protect Vietnam's then-imperial capital in Hue. The structures included fortifications, warehouses, and forts with cannons.

*A group of tourists from Spain visited Hai Van Gate on August 1. The group spent time touring the entire historical site, looking out towards the sea of Da Nang and Lang Co Bay.*

According to historical records, after the construction of the complex, King Minh Mang inscribed its name in Vietnamese – "Hai Van Quan" – on the side of the gate facing the Imperial Citadel of Hue, and the words "Thien ha de nhat hung quan" (the world's most marvelous wonder) on the other side facing Da Nang.

Natural Splendor of Hai Van Gate.

One of the most striking aspects of Hai Van Gate is its impressive natural surroundings. The gate is located at the summit of Hai Van Pass, which is renowned for its scenic beauty. The pass offers panoramic views of the coast, lush vegetation, and distant mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop for the historic structure.

*The harmonious combination of majestic nature and historical architecture makes Hai Van Gate a unique destination for tourists.*

*An aerial view of Hai Van Gate shows the entire city and Da Nang Bay. Photo: Visit Hue*

In conclusion, the reopening of Hai Van Gate has rekindled interest in this historical marvel, attracting tourists eager to explore its rich history and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes. As a symbol of Vietnam's cultural heritage, Hai Van Gate stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of historical sites and their importance in connecting people with their past.

▶️ You should also know:

Source of the images: Internet