The project, developed by Japan’s Waseda University and Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, is part of a programme begun in 1998 to research and preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Hue Citadel.

At the conference on August 13 to report the programme’s results during 1998-2008 in Hue City, more than 100 scientists and researchers from local and foreign organisations including the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the university and the centre also drew the plan for rebuilding the palace.

The Can Chanh Palace, built in 1804 during the Nguyen Dynasty, was where the emperor met his courts, the public and ambassadors from other countries. It was the Tu Cam Thanh (forbidden Citadel)’s largest and most beautiful palace.