1. Position and Nature of the Amenity Ecosystem
Within the overall picture of the 1,690-hectare Sun Mega City megacity, the cultural tourism complex recreating the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long plays a key role. Sun Legacy City – where this complex is located – is dubbed the “soul” and “cultural heart” of the entire project.
1.1. Position: A Unique Cultural-Entertainment Hub
The recreated Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex at Sun Legacy City is dubbed the "soul" and "cultural heart" of the entire project. (Source: Collected)
The recreated Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex is positioned as a historical and cultural urban area, a destination that converges the quintessence of culture – history, education, and unique tourism of the North. The presence of this complex is expected to become an international-level multi-experience cultural, historical, and tourism center. The restoration of ancient political spaces, combined with court scenes and royal ceremonies, will create a destination that is not only aesthetically pleasing – impressive, but also educational – inspiring.
1.2. Experiential Nature: "Living" History
Going beyond the meaning of a mere architectural tourist attraction or amusement park, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Sun Legacy City utility is built to open a multi-dimensional experiential ecosystem of tourism, education, and entertainment.
Vivid Recreation: Based on extensive historical research, the complex pioneers the recreation of the ancient Capital's "legend," where past and present intersect, offering vivid and authentic experiences.
Interactive Experience: This complex is designed so that visitors can not only "see" history through its architecture but also "live within" the ancient royal space. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a journey back in time to find the golden past of ancient Thang Long.
Cultural Foundation: The utility system is built on the foundation of recreating the architecture and life of the Ly – Tran dynasties (11th–14th centuries), the most brilliant period of Vietnam's feudal history.
1.3. Architectural Foundation and Historical Imprint
The basis of the utilities is the meticulous reconstruction of iconic structures from the Ly – Tran dynasties. The complex is located in the former Ha Nam province (now Ninh Binh province), at the foot of Long Doi Son mountain, where the nearly 1,000-year-old Sung Thien Dien Linh stele still preserves the calligraphy of King Ly Nhan Tong – the only original Ly dynasty text remaining that mentions the Thang Long Capital. That legend and precious heritage are the inspiration for creating this multi-layered, multi-faceted cultural experience space.
2. Architectural and Religious Utilities
The reconstructed architectural works at Sun Legacy City are not only symbols of power but also core utilities, creating the historical and cultural context for visitors to experience a journey back in time. The complex recreates the Thang Long Forbidden City and religious and educational structures of the Ly – Tran dynasties (11th–14th centuries), with meticulous investment and in-depth research.
2.1. The Forbidden City Area of Authority
The structures simulating the Thang Long Imperial Citadel are painstakingly recreated, vividly depicting the court's power during the golden age of Dai Viet.
City Gates and Towers: The journey of historical exploration begins by passing through the majestic Dai Hung Gate, a meticulously recreated structure inspired by the Doan Mon of the Early Le dynasty and the North Gate of the Nguyen dynasty. Dai Hung Gate consists of a base with a platform and a gate with 3 entrances, and a tower on top, connected to the city wall. Next, Ngu Phuong Tinh Lau appears as a symbol of majesty, recreated in a platform style with five gates below and five towers above, bearing the strong imprint of the Ly – Tran dynasties. There are also the solemn Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Court Sessions and Royal Audiences: The center of the Forbidden City is 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 gilded wooden pillars and exquisite carved patterns, reflecting the outstanding architectural level and the prosperity of the dynasty.
Civil Administration and Military Prowess: Complementing Thien An Palace are two important structures: Tap Hien Palace and Giang Vo Palace, demonstrating 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, is where civil and military officials gathered, with an elegant and tranquil design reflecting the importance of knowledge. Conversely, Giang Vo Palace, located to the right, is the center for military training and the review of the royal guards, symbolizing military strength.
Harem Area: This area recreates the living spaces of the Empress and the King, including opulent palaces such as Truong Xuan Palace (where the King resided), Long Duc Palace, Nghinh Xuan Palace, Thuy Hoa Palace, and Thuong Duong Palace. The harem area recreates the living spaces of famous Empresses in history, each place bearing its own architectural imprint and story.
2.2. Religious and Academic Area
These utilities allow visitors to worship and gain deep insights into Confucianism or Buddhism – the former national religion.
Reconstruction of Dien Huu Pagoda. (Source: Illustrative perspective image)
Spirituality and Beliefs: Dien Huu Pagoda (One Pillar Pagoda) is an iconic architectural work of the Ly Dynasty, associated with the auspicious dream of King Ly Thai Tong, which will be meticulously recreated in the complex. Bao Thien Tower - one of the renowned 'An Nam Tu Dai Khi' (Four Great Sacred Objects of Annam), will also be vividly restored. Quang Chieu Lanterns were often placed in front of main structures such as Dai Hung Gate or Ngu Phung Tinh Lau. The purpose of holding the Quang Chieu Lantern Festival is to "illuminate" the compassionate and benevolent light of Buddhism for all people (as Buddhism was revered by the Ly-Tran dynasties).
Education and Academia: Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Area: This area is meticulously recreated, inspired by the model of Vietnam's first university, aiming to reproduce a typical cultural and educational center of the Ly-Tran period. This area will be a future hub for cultural and educational experiences such as calligraphy contests, calligraphy workshops, and scientific seminars – conferences.
3. High-end Entertainment and Technology Amenities
One of the points that makes the Thang Long Imperial Citadel cultural tourism complex unique and attractive is the application of modern entertainment technology to vividly, authentically, and engagingly recreate historical legends and ancient court life.
3.1. Live-Action Shows and Lighting Technology
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel recreated complex at Sun Legacy City is where visitors can not only encounter the past but also have the opportunity to touch the world's leading modern entertainment essence with elaborate performances.
Bach Dang Show: This is the most anticipated live-action show, utilizing a 10,000m2 water stage to simulate the nation's three glorious victories on the legendary Bach Dang River. The program seamlessly combines lighting effects, 3D mapping projection technology, holograms, and multi-dimensional sound. The Bach Dang Show is designed to recreate the glorious historical naval battle of yesteryear in a realistic and vivid manner, awakening strong national pride.
Central Square and Festivals: The Central Square area is grandly designed with a scale of 32,000m2. This is the main stage for organizing grand music concerts, live-action shows, and light festivals.
Traditional Festivals: Famous traditional festivals of the Ly-Tran dynasties will also be restored and organized annually, such as the Quang Chieu Lantern Festival (demonstrating the dynasty's reverence for Buddhism, aiming to "illuminate" the compassionate and benevolent light for all people) and the Tich Dien Festival.
3.2. Water-Based Amenities and Film Studio
The riverside amenity system contributes to highlighting the water-based cultural space of the ancient capital, while also aiming to become a film production center.
Boat Docks and Culinary System: The complex is designed with a system of tourist boat docks, along with riverside restaurants and water pavilions, and performance stages designed to blend with nature, highlighting the water-based cultural space.
Aiming to develop into a large-scale ancient costume film studio. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
Historical film studio: The complex recreating the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long at Sun Legacy City also aims to develop into a large-scale ancient costume film studio. This is an ideal place to produce historical cinematic works rich in Vietnamese identity, reaching a global scale, similar to models that have proven effective in China, Japan, and South Korea. The complex is expected to become an international-class cultural destination, on par with China's famous "Hengdian World Studios".
4. Interactive and Educational Experience Facilities
The facilities at Sun Legacy City are not just for sightseeing but also places where visitors can directly participate in interactive activities, creating vivid experiences and contributing to a deeper understanding of culture and history.
4.1. Role-playing and Cultural Life Experience
Visitors can participate in role-playing challenges, immersing themselves in the courtly setting of the Ly-Tran dynasties, donning ancient costumes, and engaging in folk games and traditional festivals.
Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to savor the essence of royal cuisine and ancient dishes in the riverside market street. In the Thao Truong area (inspired by ancient military training grounds), visitors can directly participate in interactive activities, directly experience the spirit of Vietnamese martial arts, enjoy traditional martial arts performances, and traditional human chess activities.
4.2. Academic Culture and Experiential Education
The complex is educational – preserving – sustainably developing culture and opening opportunities for experiential education, especially for the younger generation.
The complex is a bridge connecting tradition with modernity, contributing to bringing Vietnamese culture further on the international stage. (Source: Illustrative perspective photo)
Activities at Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam: The Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam area is recreated to become a "living museum" of Dai Viet's education. Here, experiential educational activities will be organized such as calligraphy learning, character writing contests, folk performances, history workshops, and scientific seminars – conferences.
History Seminar: The complex also hosts large-scale seminars and cultural – spiritual festivals, becoming a center for cultural exchange, enhancing understanding and national pride.
5. Community Life Amenities and Future Vision
5.1. Everyday Life Space
Amenities of Hoang Thanh Thang Long Sun Legacy City recreate the daily life rhythm of ancient Kinh Ky people through various spaces.
Urban Area and Craft Villages: The bustling Urban Area with contiguous two-story tiled-roof houses will recreate the atmosphere of busy trade. This area also features an ancient Village Communal House and traditional Craft Villages (such as pottery, silk weaving, basketry, wood carving) allowing visitors to directly experience local culture.
Northern Countryside Landscape: The Northern Vietnamese countryside area is recreated with village communal houses, wells, banyan trees, rural markets, thatched houses... evoking the peaceful image of ancient Vietnamese rural life.
Recreated To Lich River: The vital To Lich River that once surrounded the Imperial Citadel is recreated with its original beauty, winding and embracing the bustling urban areas.
5.2. International-Standard Amenities
This complex is not just a tourist destination, but also a project with a grand mission. The complex is a "bridge connecting tradition with modernity," contributing to bringing Vietnamese culture further on the international stage. The presence of Sun Mega City (with Sun Legacy City as the highlight) is predicted to ignite strong growth momentum for the southern area of Hanoi, attracting a wave of investment and creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Amenities of Hoang Thanh Thang Long Sun Legacy City are a unique convergence of historical architecture and modern entertainment technology, creating a multi-layered, multi-colored cultural experience ecosystem. From majestic iconic structures, educational spaces to high-tech live shows and immersive interactive activities, this complex has surpassed the limits of an amusement park to become an international-standard center for multi-experience culture, history, and tourism. Sun Legacy City not only helps visitors "relive the thousand-year memory" but also affirms Sun Group's pioneering role in developing tourism associated with cultural preservation, bringing Vietnamese heritage closer to the international community.
