In the 19th century, King Minh Mang (1820-1841) of the Nguyen Dynasty brought parasol seeds from China to plant around Can Chanh Palace and other important spots in the citadel. The king hoped that he would soon have a prince when planting these trees. Vietnamese then believed when a phoenix perched on a parasol tree, a prince would be born.

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Parasol flowers in full bloom overlooks the citadel’s entrance – Photo: Hieu Truong

This year, visitors can contemplate the pink flowers as this tourist attraction has been opened again after its temporarily closure because of Covid-19.

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The sun shines on a parasol tree.
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A closer look of Chinese parasol tree, known in Vietnam as ngo dong.
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Parasol trees in Thai Hoa Palace.
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A lady in white ao dai under the shadow of a parasol tree.
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A procession near a parasol tree.

SGT

Summer transforms Hue into city of colourful charming flowers

Summer transforms Hue into city of colourful charming flowers

Each May the city of Hue located in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue appears magnificent as a variety of different types of flowers emerge in full bloom, marking the arrival of summer.