Xã Tắc Esplanade stands as one of the most spiritually significant architectural complexes of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue City. Built in 1806, this ceremonial platform served as the sacred ground where emperors performed rituals honoring the Earth God (Xã) and Rice God (Tắc), embodying the divine connection between the monarchy and agricultural prosperity. What makes this monument truly unique is its construction from soil contributed by every province in Vietnam, symbolizing national unity and spiritual wholeness.
Overview of Xa Tac Esplanade
Constructed with meticulous attention to traditional feng shui principles, Xã Tắc Esplanade features a distinctive two-tiered square structure facing north. The upper platform, rising 1.6 meters with 28-meter sides, showcases the five elemental colors of Vietnamese cosmology: yellow (center), green (east), white (west), red (south), and black (north). This ceremonial space is adorned with 32 stone pedestals and ornate yellow railings, with ceremonial staircases positioned at each cardinal direction.
The lower platform extends 70 meters on each side with a height of 1.2 meters, surrounded by a rectangular stone wall measuring 162 meters north to south and 202 meters east to west. The complex incorporates traditional defensive elements including a southern screen wall and a square ritual lake with 57-meter sides.
Twice yearly, during the second and eighth lunar months, the Nguyen emperors would conduct elaborate sacrificial ceremonies here. Following the dynasty’s fall, the Xã Tắc Esplanade gradually deteriorated, later being repurposed as residential housing. Today, visitors can still observe the remnants of this once-magnificent structure, including the foundation of the upper platform, a stone stele, the northern lake, and the southern screen.
How to get to Xa Tac Esplanade
From Hue Imperial City, travel approximately 1 km southwest to reach this historical site. Visitors can choose from a variety of transportation options.
Address: 10/29 Xa Tac, Thuan Hoa ward, Phu Xuan district, Hue city
Things to Know
| Opening hours: | Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Entrance fee: | 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD) per adult; children under 12 enter free |
| Visitor tips: | Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat 30-45 minutes recommended |
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