Hue (Thua Thien Hue) is located in the northern parts of central Vietnam, situated on the banks of the Perfume River, about 1,140 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The city was founded in 1687 when it became the fortified city of Phu Xuan. It was also the former capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The importance that the city once held is reflected in the number of palaces, tombs and pagodas spread around the city and its environs.

The Forbidden Purple City is located in the Imperial City. This area is uniquely reserved for Emperors and his royal family. More than 50 architectural buildings were built in different shapes and different purposes, including the Emperor's Private Palace, palace for conducting political affairs, Queen's residence, royal theatre, Emperor's library, kitchen, etc.