C瓢虊u Vi蹋 Th芒虁n C么ng (Nine Holy Cannons of Nguyen Dynasty), Hue

The Nine Holy Cannons (Cuu Vi Than Cong) are a striking legacy of Vietnam鈥檚 Nguyen dynasty, positioned prominently near the Noon Gate (Ngo Mon) of the Imperial City in Hue. Cast between 1803 and 1804 under the direction of Emperor Gia Long, these bronze cannons were forged from an impressive collection of war spoils, including enemy weapons and vessels captured during the Nguyen lord鈥檚 southern campaigns. Although fully functional artillery at the time, they were never used in combat and were instead revered as symbolic guardians of the new dynasty鈥檚 authority and moral legitimacy.

Arranged in two symmetrical groups鈥攆our on the left representing the four seasons, and five on the right symbolizing the five elements of traditional Vietnamese cosmology鈥攅ach cannon is unique in decoration and inscription. They bear names such as Xuan (Spring), Ha (Summer), and Kim (Metal), with poetic engravings and detailed reliefs that blend Confucian ideals with imperial grandeur. Each piece also features precise manufacturing records, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship and metallurgical skill of early 19th-century Vietnam.

Though imposing in size鈥攅ach cannon weighs over 17 tons鈥攖heir primary role was ceremonial. The Nguyen court considered them sacred objects, or 鈥渉oly cannons,鈥� and placed them under ritual protection rather than military command. Today, the cannons remain on display under open-air pavilions, weathered yet intact, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into the ceremonial pageantry and technological prowess of the former imperial regime.

For travelers exploring the Citadel, the Nine Holy Cannons are a compelling introduction to the layered symbolism that underpins Hue鈥檚 royal architecture and heritage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hue. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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.

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Sight Name: C瓢虊u Vi蹋 Th芒虁n C么ng (Nine Holy Cannons of Nguyen Dynasty)
Sight Location: Hue, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hue)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Hue Introduction Walking Tour

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.

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 鈥� 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

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

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