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A castle built in the jungle of Bac Ha mountain, Hoang A Tuong Castle is now
located on high and dry land in the center of Bac Ha district,
Lao Cai province.
Before 1945, Bac Ha was ruled under semi-feudal colonial regime with the ruling
class and the ruled one. The ruling class is the tribal mandarin which is
typical of father and son Hoang Yen Chao - Hoang A Tuong. To assert his power
and wealth, Hoang Yen Chao has talented architects design and build a palatial
mansion with unique architecture. Hoang A Tuong Castle was built in 1914 and
completed in 1921. The French and Chinese architects designed and directly
controlled the castle. Ideal position selected according to feng shui theory is
perched on a large hill to the southeast. Behind and both sides of the castle
are mountain; meanwhile, facade is a stream and massive mountain. The terrain
generally is relatively harmonious which is suitable for the landscapes and
climate of this land.
Hoang A Tuong Castle owned a fairly particular architectural structure compared
to the architecture of other edifices in Vietnam at that time. The castle played
a role as a place to stay of Hoang Yen Chao and Hoang A Tuong; simultaneously,
it was the workplace and took its functions as the fort to protect his family.
The entire castle retained closed continuous rectangular architecture with a
total area of 4.000m2. The architecture of the castle maintained the blend
between French architecture in 17-18 century and Oriental architecture. Western
side of the building is expressed in detail such as laurels motifs embossed on
entrance gates symbolizing for happiness and prosperity, arched railing doors,
the elegant pillars, round balustrades and staircases, and tiled hallway.
Hoang A Tuong had deliberately prepared materials for building the castle.
Cement and steel were flown from the plains, while the bricks and tiles were
manufactured on the spot with clay in the heart of the mountain range under the
supervision of Chinese experts. The whole edifice was built of baked bricks and
employed a binding agent with lime and beeswax. Workers were the best builders
from prisons. Surrounding
Hoang A Tuong Castle was the thick fence consisting of
3 gates (1 main gate and 2 auxiliary ones). Four side walls were crenellated
fences and guarded by 2 platoons. In particular, behind the castle offered a
solid and extremely secretive escaping tunnel.
Internal structure of the castle is fairly beautiful. Through the main entrance,
a large yard inside is former home to organize main activities of the tribal
mandarin's family. Backcourt main building retains two floors with an area of
420m2, which is often used for the meeting place of the family. Tourists setting
foot in the castle have to walk up 17 stairs from both sides, then to the
sheltered lounge. Additionally, the castle also has other construction items
such as two auxiliary blocks on both sides. Each has two floors and is lower
than the main building with an area of 300m2. This is private space of Hoang Yen
Chao's wives and Hoang A Tuong's wives. There are also two sub-blocks with
simpler architecture used as accommodation for soldiers and servants.
Hoang A Tuong Castle is an architectural works harmoniously mingled between
ancient French house architecture and Oriental architectural style. The
prominent Western architecture creates particular beauty for whole building. It
has become the indispensable tourist address for tourists when visiting the
white highlands of Bac Ha. The castle has stored, preserved and embellished so
far. Thanks to this achievement, tourists have more chance to ascertain about
the history and society of a bygone era ethnic minority. Tourists participating
in Sapa travel should set foot in Hoang A Tuong Castle to experience the
majestic beauty of the ancient mansion. |
