1. Overview of design inspiration
In the heart of the super-city Sun Mega City (South of Hanoi), a journey back in time awaits visitors through a cultural tourism complex recreating the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Hoang Thanh Thang Long). This complex is expected to become an international-class cultural destination, where history and modernity blend.
1.1. The "cultural heart" location of Sun Mega City
This complex is positioned as the “soul” and “cultural heart” of Sun Mega City. (Source: Collected)
The complex recreates Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City - one of the three constituent metropolises of the Sun Mega City super-metropolis. This complex is positioned as the “soul” and “cultural heart” of the entire project, with the pioneering mission to recreate the “legend” of the ancient capital. Sun Group's goal is not just to create an impressive aesthetic work, but also one that is educational and inspiring.
1.2. Core Inspiration from the Ly – Tran Dynasties
The design of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City complex is the crystallization of meticulous investment and in-depth research.
Architectural Foundation: The design is inspired by the architectural art of the Ly – Tran dynasties (11th – 14th centuries) – a peak period of intertwined aesthetics, religion, and power.
Historical Documentation Basis: The recreation process is based on meticulous research of historical, archaeological, and cultural vestiges. Notably, the inspiration for creating this complex comes from the ancient Sung Thien Dien Linh stele, the calligraphy of King Ly Nhan Tong, still preserved at Long Doi pagoda (former Ha Nam province). This is the only original Ly dynasty text remaining that mentions Thang Long Capital with symbols such as Cam Thanh, Doan Mon, and Dien Huu pagoda.
Overall Layout: The complex is elaborately designed to recreate the “ancient wonder” with enduring historical and cultural value. With an overall layout resembling a miniature Thang Long capital, it vividly recreates the courtly power of Dai Viet's golden age. When visitors pass through the Dai Hung gate, they will embark on a journey back in time.
1.3. Sacred Cultural Terrain
The selection of the location for this complex was not accidental. The complex is majestically situated at the foot of Long Doi Son mountain (former Ha Nam), near the legendary Chau river. This terrain once bore the “footprints” of King Ly Cong Uan during his historic journey to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long. The convergence of legend and heritage has become the driving force for Sun Group to recreate the most brilliant period in Vietnam's cultural flow.
2. Design Details of Cam Thanh – The Symbol of Ultimate Authority
The design of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City complex recreates a multi-layered picture of ancient culture, spirituality, and court life. The reconstruction is meticulously carried out, based on in-depth research to fully evoke the spirit and majesty of the Ly – Tran dynasties (11th – 14th centuries).
Design recreates the multi-layered picture of ancient culture, spirituality, and court life. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
2.1. City Gates and Towers
The outer city structures and main gates are symbols of power, initiating the journey of historical exploration:
Dai Hung Gate: This is a majestic city gate, marking the beginning of the historical exploration journey. The gate is elaborately recreated, inspired by the Doan Mon of the Early Le dynasty and the North Gate of the Nguyen dynasty. The structure of Dai Hung Gate consists of a base with a platform and gate with 3 entrances, a tower on top, and is connected to the city wall.
Ngu Phuong Tinh Lau: After passing through Dai Hung Gate, visitors will see Ngu Phuong Tinh Lau emerge as a symbol of majesty. This structure is a replica of a raised platform design, comprising five gates below (three main gates, two auxiliary gates) and five towers above. This design bears the strong imprint of the Ly-Tran dynasties, although influenced by Tang-Song imperial architecture.
Quang Chieu Lantern: Another symbolic structure is the Quang Chieu Lantern, often placed in front of Dai Hung Gate, Ngu Phuong Tinh Lau, or in the Dan Tri courtyard. As the Ly-Tran dynasties revered Buddhism, the purpose of holding the Quang Chieu Lantern Festival was to "radiate" the compassionate and benevolent light of Buddhism to all people.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Structures such as the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are designed with a solemnity that complements the majesty of the Forbidden City.
2.2. Court and State Affairs Area
This is the most sacred and powerful area, where the golden palaces and the ruling space of the dynasty are recreated.
Thien An Palace: The central structure of the Forbidden City is recreated as Thien An Palace. This is where the 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 columns, and intricate carvings, reflecting the prosperity and outstanding architectural level of the time.
Tap Hien Palace and Giang Vo Palace: These two important structures complement Thien An Palace, embodying the perfect balance between civil administration and military prowess of the Ly-Tran dynasty. Tap Hien Palace, located to the left of Thien An Palace, has an elegant and tranquil design, serving as a gathering place for civil and military officials before meeting the king. Giang Vo Palace, located to the right of Thien An Palace, is the center for military training, where military parades and royal guard reviews took place, symbolizing the martial spirit and military strength.
Hau Cung Area: Recreates the living space of the Empress and the King, including opulent palaces. This area is meticulously reconstructed based on the spirit of recreating royal palaces – places for holding court, royal residences, and banquets, including Truong Xuan Palace (where the king resided), Long Duc Palace, Nghinh Xuan Palace, Thuy Hoa Palace, and Thuong Duong Palace. Each palace in the harem area recreates the living space of famous Empresses in history and carries its own architectural imprint and unique story.
3. Design of Cultural, Religious, and Educational Spaces
The design of the Hoang Thanh Thang Long Sun Legacy City area not only focuses on the majesty of the Forbidden City but also places special emphasis on recreating iconic structures of two major ideologies: Confucianism and Buddhism – the former state religion.
Design focuses on recreating iconic structures of Confucianism and Buddhism – former national religions. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
3.1. Education and Culture
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Recreation Complex is recreated to awaken national pride and aim to become a world-class tourist, cultural, and educational destination. The Civil Officials and Military Officials structures represent the balance between academics and military might:
Civil Officials Area – Quoc Tu Giam: Inspired by the model of Quoc Tu Giam – our country's first university, the Civil Officials Area is a dedicated reconstruction based on in-depth research, aiming to recreate a typical cultural and educational center of the Ly-Tran period. In the future, this will be a hub for attractive cultural and educational experiences such as calligraphy writing events, calligraphy workshops, and scientific seminars and conferences.
Military Officials Area and Training Ground: If the Civil Officials Area honors cultural values, the Military Officials Area depicts the image of the Dai Viet military. The architecture here is open, harmonizing with nature, reflecting the simple, upright, and martial lifestyle of the military. The Military Officials Area helps visitors understand the relationship between ethics, rituals, and military strategy in Ly-Tran culture. Connected to the Military Officials Area is the Training Ground (inspired by ancient military training grounds), which will become an open stage for organizing traditional human chess games and traditional martial arts performances.
3.2. Beliefs and Spirituality
Visitors have the opportunity to worship and gain deep insights into Buddhism – the former national religion, through vividly recreated structures.
Dien Huu Pagoda (One Pillar Pagoda): An iconic architectural work of the Ly period, associated with the miraculous dream of King Ly Thai Tong, will be meticulously reconstructed in the complex.
Bao Thien Tower: This structure, one of the famous "An Nam Tu Dai Khi" (Four Great Treasures of An Nam), is also vividly restored.
Quang Chieu Lantern: A symbolic structure of Buddhist beliefs during the Ly-Tran period, often placed before large gates like Dai Hung Gate. The purpose of holding the Quang Chieu Lantern Festival is to "illuminate" the compassion and benevolence of Buddhism for all people.
4. Design of Living Spaces and Interactive Experiences
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Recreation Complex is designed for visitors not only to admire history but also to "live within" the ancient imperial space, with a multi-layered, multi-faceted rhythm of life and experiences recreated.
Design of living spaces and interactive experiences. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
4.1. Everyday Living Space
Urban Area and Craft Villages: The daily rhythm of life of the ancient Kinh Ky people will also be recreated. The bustling Urban Area with rows of narrow two-story houses with tiled roofs will recreate the ancient bustling trading atmosphere. Beside it are the ancient Village Communal Houses, imbued with the soul of the Northern countryside, and traditional craft villages (pottery making, silk weaving, basketry, wood carving) allowing visitors to directly experience local culture.
Recreation of To Lich River: The To Lich River, a vital artery that once surrounded the Imperial Citadel, will also be recreated in its original beauty, winding and coiling around the bustling urban areas.
4.2. Creating Experiences and Technology
The complex combines ancient architecture with modern technology to provide vivid and authentic experiences.
Interactive Experiences: Visitors can don ancient costumes, learn calligraphy, taste the essence of royal cuisine, or participate in martial arts performances.
Square and Festivals: The magnificent Central Square (32,000m2) will host grand concerts, live-action shows, and light festivals. Famous traditional festivals will be revived, such as the Quang Chieu Lantern Festival and the Tich Dien Festival.
Live-Action Show: The most anticipated show is Bach Dang, a program recreating three heroic victories on a water stage, seamlessly blending lighting effects, 3D mapping projection technology, holograms, and multi-dimensional sound.
Large-scale Film Studio: The complex aims to develop into a large-scale ancient costume film studio, ideal for producing historical films rich in Vietnamese identity. This model is expected to rival China's famous "Hengdian World Studios".
The design of the Hoang Thanh Thang Long Sun Legacy City is the culmination of Sun Group's meticulous investment and dedication, based on thorough research of historical documents and cultural vestiges. This recreated complex is not just a real estate project but also a "symphony across time", where the glorious past meets the dynamic present. The recreated Hoang Thanh Thang Long complex is expected to become a new "cultural icon" of Vietnam, an international-class historical and cultural destination, even rivaling the famous "Hengdian World Studios" model in China. This is the "bridge" connecting the past and the present, contributing to awakening national pride and promoting Vietnamese culture globally.
