The Hue Imperial City

Next stop in Hue was the Hue Imperial Palace. From UNESCO:

Established as the capital of unified Viet Nam in 1802, Hué was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The Perfume River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, giving this unique feudal capital a setting of great natural beauty.

2013-06-09 Hue Imperial Palace - IMG_4541-FullWM

Arriving at the entrance gate, the giant Vietnamese flag flying is a powerful symbol.
2013-06-09 Hue Imperial Palace - DSC05000-FullWM

Inside the walls, corridors are elaborately decorated.
2013-06-09 Hue Imperial Palace - DSC05033-FullWM
2013-06-09 Hue Imperial Palace - IMG_4563-FullWM

Naturally, I felt at home in the Imperial City, and decided to try on a few of my new clothes.
2013-06-09 Hue Imperial Palace - IMG_4560-FullWM

Outside the gates, this chicken stood guard over a busy intersection.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamfan2/9456178084/in/set-72157634959634769