The Imperial City of Huế, a grandiose walled fortress, stands as a testament to Vietnam's regal past. Constructed under Emperor Gia Long's reign in the early 19th century, it was inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City and served as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyễn dynasty. Despite suffering damage through wars, the site's significance was recognized with a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1993, and efforts to restore and preserve its splendor are ongoing.