
Hiển Lâm Các (Pavilion of the Glorious Coming), Hue
The Pavilion of the Glorious Coming (Hien Lam Cac) is one of the most striking monuments within the Imperial City of Hue. Constructed between 1821 and 1822 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, this stately wooden pavilion stands approximately 17 meters tall on a rectangular foundation of Bat Trang tiles and baked brick. As the tallest structure within the Imperial enclosure, it was deliberately designed to tower above all others, underscoring its importance in memorializing the emperors and high-ranking mandarins who shaped the Nguyen dynasty.
Architecturally, the Pavilion of the Glorious Coming unfolds across three levels: a spacious five-compartment ground floor, a three-compartment second tier, and a singular chamber at the summit crowned with an ornamental "wine jar" motif. Entry is granted via dual staircases of nine steps, each lined with elaborately carved dragon balustrades, while the central route was historically reserved for the emperor. Inside, the intricate woodwork—featuring dragons, florals, and auspicious symbols—graces lush columns, beams, and window panels, and a remarkable wooden stairway ascends to the second level.
As a memorial pavilion, the Pavilion of the Glorious Coming complements the nearby The Mieu (Unsung Ancestors’ Temple) and the Nine Dynastic Urns, forming a triad that honors Nguyen emperors and distinguished ministers. Today, one can experience both its grandeur and serenity—wandering within its shaded courtyard, contemplating its detailed craftsmanship, and appreciating the spiritual resonance of this architectural masterpiece.
For visitors exploring the Imperial City, the Pavilion of the Glorious Coming is not just an impressive sight, but also a doorway into the rich spiritual and cultural legacy of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty.
Architecturally, the Pavilion of the Glorious Coming unfolds across three levels: a spacious five-compartment ground floor, a three-compartment second tier, and a singular chamber at the summit crowned with an ornamental "wine jar" motif. Entry is granted via dual staircases of nine steps, each lined with elaborately carved dragon balustrades, while the central route was historically reserved for the emperor. Inside, the intricate woodwork—featuring dragons, florals, and auspicious symbols—graces lush columns, beams, and window panels, and a remarkable wooden stairway ascends to the second level.
As a memorial pavilion, the Pavilion of the Glorious Coming complements the nearby The Mieu (Unsung Ancestors’ Temple) and the Nine Dynastic Urns, forming a triad that honors Nguyen emperors and distinguished ministers. Today, one can experience both its grandeur and serenity—wandering within its shaded courtyard, contemplating its detailed craftsmanship, and appreciating the spiritual resonance of this architectural masterpiece.
For visitors exploring the Imperial City, the Pavilion of the Glorious Coming is not just an impressive sight, but also a doorway into the rich spiritual and cultural legacy of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hue. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hiển Lâm Các (Pavilion of the Glorious Coming) on Map
Sight Name: Hiển Lâm Các (Pavilion of the Glorious Coming)
Sight Location: Hue, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hue)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hue, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hue)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hue, Vietnam
Create Your Own Walk in Hue
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hue is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Imperial City Walking Tour
The Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty built their feudal capital along the fertile banks of the Perfume River, whose steady flow, centuries on, still sets up a languid pace that the rest of the city is happy to follow.
Situated within the walls of the Royal Citadel, The Imperial City in Hue is one of, if not the most prominent landmark in Vietnam, renowned for its wonderful collection of oriental... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Situated within the walls of the Royal Citadel, The Imperial City in Hue is one of, if not the most prominent landmark in Vietnam, renowned for its wonderful collection of oriental... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Hue Introduction Walking Tour
Once the seat of the imperial dynasty in the heart of Vietnam, Hue is chock-full of stories. During feudal times, for nearly 150 years – from 1802 to 1945, the city served as the national capital. The royal lifestyle and customs have had a strong impact on the lifestyle of locals, and this impact can still be felt today.
First cited about 200 BCE as the seat of the Chinese military authority... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
First cited about 200 BCE as the seat of the Chinese military authority... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles