Perched gracefully on the northern bank of the Perfume River, Nghinh Lương Đình (Pavilion of Welcoming Coolness) stands as a testament to the refined leisure of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty kings. Built in 1852 during Emperor Tự Đức‘s reign, this elegant pavilion served as a royal retreat where emperors would escape the summer heat, enjoying the refreshing river breezes and panoramic views of Huế’s historic landscape.
Overview of Nghinh Luong Dinh
The Nghinh Lương Đình pavilion showcases exceptional architectural design with its unique one-compartment structure flanked by four graceful wings. The pavilion underwent significant restorations during Emperor Thành Thái’s reign in 1903 and again under Emperor Khải Định in 1918, maintaining its function as an imperial summer retreat.
Distinctive “crab shell” auxiliary houses adorn both the front and back of the main structure, featuring intricate wooden carvings that demonstrate the masterful craftsmanship of royal artisans. The main pavilion is crowned with imperial yellow glazed tiles, while the auxiliary structures utilize specialized heat-insulating yellow glazed tiles—a thoughtful design element for a summer relaxation pavilion.
Elevated on a 90cm foundation, thirteen elegant steps lead from the pavilion to a corridor built near the water’s edge, allowing imperial visitors direct access to the cooling river. This strategic positioning directly across from Phu Van Lau (Pavilion of Edicts) created an ideal vantage point for the emperors to observe both river activities and city life.
How to get to Nghinh Luong Dinh
Located on the northern bank of the Perfume River, Nghinh Lương Đình is easily accessible from Hue city center. Visitors can reach this historic pavilion by:
Address: Le Duan street, Phu Thuan ward, Phu Xuan district, Hue city
Things to Know
| Opening hours: | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily |
| Entrance fee: | Included in the Imperial City complex ticket (200,000 VND for adults; 40,000 VND for children 7-12) |
| Visitor tips: | Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) for the most pleasant temperature and best lighting for photography Allow 30-45 minutes to fully appreciate the pavilion and surroundings |
| Nearby attractions: | Phu Van Lau (directly across the river), Truong Tien Bridge (10-minute walk), Dong Ba Market (15-minute walk) |
The pavilion’s surroundings create an atmosphere of tranquil elegance that continues to captivate visitors today. Experience this exceptional blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty with a personalized tour arranged by HueSmileTravel. Contact us today to include this royal treasure in your perfect Huế itinerary!
