1. Unique Tourism Position: A Thousand-Year "Time-Traveling" Gate
The cultural tourism complex simulating Thang Long Imperial Citadel at Sun Mega City is considered an unprecedented project with the goal of honoring heritage and affirming Vietnam's cultural position.
1.1. Positioning: A "Cultural Heart" with an International Mission
The complex serves as a "bridge" connecting the past and the present. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel reconstruction complex is located within Sun Legacy City and is positioned as the "soul" and "cultural heart" of the entire Sun Mega City metropolis at the southern gateway of Hanoi. Transcending the meaning of a conventional tourist destination, this complex aims to become an international-caliber center for culture, history, and multi-experience tourism. Sun Group has created this project as a "bridge" connecting the past and the present, to awaken national pride and promote Vietnamese culture on the international stage.
1.2. The "Time Travel" Experience of the Ly-Tran Dynasties
Tourism in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City area offers a unique "time travel" experience, taking visitors back to the golden age of the Ly-Tran dynasties (11th–14th centuries). This reconstruction complex is like a "time portal" for visitors to "step into a journey back in time," not just to "see" history but also to "live within" the ancient imperial space. Here, visitors can explore every corner of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and immerse themselves in the vibrant life within the most sacred precinct of Dai Viet. The meticulously recreated architectural works, such as the majestic citadel gates, splendid palaces, and the vital Tô Lịch River, will be brought to life with the myriad colors of past life.
1.3. Historical Inspiration from the Land of "Núi Đọi, Sông Châu"
The location of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel reconstruction complex was chosen based on profound historical imprints:
Sacred Land: The complex is majestically situated at the foot of Long Đọi Mountain, near the legendary Châu River (now in Ninh Bình province). This area is known as the land of "Núi Đọi, Sông Châu," rich in historical sediment.
Footprints of King Lý Công Uẩn: This location once bore the "footprints" of King Lý Công Uẩn as he traveled on his historic journey to move the capital from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long.
Cultural Witness: Right on the summit of Long Đọi Mountain stands a nearly 1,000-year-old pagoda, which preserves the Sùng Thiện Diên Linh stele. This ancient stele is the only surviving original text from the Lý dynasty that mentions Thăng Long Capital, Cấm Thành (Forbidden City), Đoan Môn (Imperial Gate), and Diên Hựu Pagoda.
It is these legends and precious heritage from the southern gateway of the capital that have become the inspiration for Sun Group to recreate the most brilliant period in Vietnamese cultural history.
2. Sightseeing and Architectural Appreciation Experience
Tourism in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City area offers an authentic "time travel" experience, where visitors can explore and admire meticulously recreated architectural works that represent the power and beliefs of the Lý-Tran dynasties (11th–14th centuries).
2.1. Exploring the Majestic Forbidden City
Reconstructions of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Source: Illustrative perspective image)
The reconstructed structures of Thang Long Imperial Citadel at Sun Mega City are core amenities, creating a historical backdrop that helps visitors fully appreciate the spirit and majesty of the dynasty.
City Gates and Towers:
The journey of historical discovery begins at the majestic Dai Hung Gate. This structure is meticulously recreated, inspired by the Doan Mon of the Early Le period and the North Gate of the Nguyen period, featuring a base with a platform and a gate with three entrances, a tower above, and connected to the citadel wall.
Entering the Imperial Citadel, the Ngu Phuong Tinh Lau appears as a symbol of majesty. This structure is a replica of a platform-based design, comprising five lower gates and five upper towers, bearing the distinct imprint of the Ly and Tran dynasties.
Visitors can also admire the solemn Bell Tower and Drum Tower, along with the Quang Chieu Lantern, a structure often placed before major gates like Dai Hung Gate or Ngu Phuong Tinh Lau. The Quang Chieu Lantern symbolizes the Buddhist faith of the Ly-Tran era, intended to "radiate" the compassionate and benevolent light of Buddhism to all people.
Center of Administration and Power:
The center of the Forbidden City is recreated as Thien An Palace, where Ly-Tran kings held court, managed state affairs, and received civil and military officials. Thien An Palace exudes grandeur and supreme authority, with lacquered and gilded wooden pillars and intricate carvings, reflecting the advanced architectural level and the prosperity of the dynasty.
Complementing Thien An Palace are two important structures: Tap Hien Palace and Giang Vo Palace, embodying the perfect balance between civil administration and military prowess of the Ly-Tran dynasty. Tap Hien Palace was where civil and military officials gathered before meeting the king, reflecting the importance of knowledge, while Giang Vo Palace was the center for military training and the review of the imperial guard, symbolizing military strength.
Palace Ambiance:
The Hậu Cung (Inner Palace) area recreates the living space of the Empress and the King. Golden palaces such as Truong Xuan Palace (where the King resided), Thien Khanh Palace, Long Duc Palace, Nghinh Xuan Palace, Thuy Hoa Palace, and Thuong Duong Palace are all meticulously replicated, each with its unique architectural imprint and story.
2.2. Worshiping Faith and Academia
Visitors here also have the opportunity to worship and gain deep insights into Confucianism and Buddhism – the former national religions:
Spirituality and Faith: Dien Huu Pagoda (One Pillar Pagoda): An architectural symbol of the Ly period, associated with the auspicious dream of King Ly Thai Tong, will be meticulously reconstructed in the complex. The Bao Thien Tower – one of the renowned "Four Great Artifacts of An Nam" of ancient Dai Viet – will also be vividly restored.
Education and Culture: The Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy) complex is passionately recreated, inspired by the model of our country's first university. This area will be a future hub for attractive cultural and educational experiences. The Quan Vo (Military Affairs) area and Thao Truong (Training Ground) (inspired by ancient military training grounds) are designed for visitors to experience traditional martial arts knowledge, reflecting the martial spirit of Dai Viet's military.
3. Vibrant Entertainment and Interactive Experiences
Complex combining ancient architecture with modern entertainment technology. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
Tourism at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City area is educational, inspiring, and highly interactive, where visitors not only observe history but also "live" in it. The complex combines ancient architecture with modern entertainment technology to vividly and attractively recreate historical legends.
3.1. High-tech shows and festivals
The recreated Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex is considered the main stage for court scenes, traditional festivals, and artifact exhibitions.
High-tech Live Show: A must-see highlight is the Bach Dang live show. This program recreates three glorious victories of the nation on the legendary Bach Dang River. The show uses a 10,000m2 water stage and seamlessly combines lighting effects, 3D mapping projection technology, holograms, and multi-dimensional sound. This is a vivid "visual feast" that evokes strong national pride.
Event and Festival Stage: The massive central square (32,000m2) is where grand music concerts, live shows, and light festivals are held. Famous traditional festivals of the Ly-Tran dynasties will also be restored and organized annually, including the Quang Chieu Lantern Festival. The purpose of this festival is to "illuminate" the light of compassion and benevolence of Buddhism for all people (as the Ly-Tran dynasties revered Buddhism). Other festivals such as the Tich Dien Festival, dazzling lantern festivals, and folk games will also be organized.
Court Scenes and Ceremonies: Court scenes, restoration of royal ceremonies, and themed light-sound performances will create a destination that is not only aesthetic but also educational and inspiring.
3.2. Role-playing and interactive learning experiences
The complex offers opportunities for experiential education and direct interaction with history, especially for the younger generation. Visitors can participate in role-playing challenges, immersing themselves in the court setting of the Ly-Tran dynasties, or donning ancient costumes. Visitors can also enjoy the essence of royal cuisine and ancient dishes in the riverside town area.
In addition, visitors can try their hand at traditional martial arts at the Thao Truong (Training Ground), inspired by the ancient military training area, which becomes an open stage for traditional human chess games and martial arts performances. This is a vibrant cultural space where visitors can not only watch but also directly experience the spirit of Vietnamese martial arts.
The Quan Van – Quoc Tu Giam area is recreated to become a "living museum" of Dai Viet's education system. Here, students and visitors can participate in experiential educational activities such as calligraphy learning, handwriting workshops, folk performances, and history workshops.
4. International cultural vision and role
Discover the daily life of ancient Kinh Ky people. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
The tourist complex at Sun Legacy City is not just a place to visit, but also carries a great mission to export culture and affirm Vietnam's position on the international stage.
4.1. Recreating community life and traditional craft villages
Tourism in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel area of Sun Legacy City also includes exploring the daily life of ancient Kinh Ky people.
Urban Area and Craft Villages: Daily life is recreated through a bustling urban area with rows of two-story tube houses with tiled roofs. This area also features an ancient village communal house, rich with the soul of Northern Vietnamese countryside, and traditional craft villages (such as pottery, silk weaving, basketry, wood carving) allowing visitors to directly experience local culture.
Thuy Mac Space: The vital To Lich River, which once surrounded the Imperial Citadel, is recreated in its original beauty, winding and embracing the bustling urban areas. The system of tourist wharves, riverside restaurants, and water stages is also designed to blend harmoniously with nature, highlighting the water-based cultural space of the ancient capital.
4.2. Affirming international position and developing cinema
The cultural tourism complex at Sun Mega City aims to develop into a large-scale ancient costume film studio, an ideal location for producing historical cinematic works rich in Vietnamese identity.
The complex is expected to become a new "cultural icon" of Vietnam, an unprecedented historical and cultural destination, comparable to China's famous "Hengdian World Studios." Hengdian World Studios has used the voice of heritage to touch upon people's deep desires: to live with culture, experience culture, and be a part of culture.
The complex contributes to the "cultural export" journey – bringing Vietnamese heritage closer to international friends. Sun Group hopes to create a "symphony across time" – where a glorious past meets a dynamic present, allowing visitors to relive millennia of memories.
Tourism in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel area of Sun Legacy City is a journey to experience and cherish millennia of cultural values, connecting the past and the future. Visitors can not only "see" but also "live in" the ancient imperial space, participating in interactive activities such as wearing traditional costumes, learning calligraphy, and enjoying imperial cuisine. This complex is the crystallization of Sun Group's meticulous investment and dedication, based on thorough research of historical, archaeological, and cultural records, and is expected to become a new "cultural icon" of Vietnam and an international-caliber center for multi-experience culture, history, and tourism.
