A bamboo and timber structure spans over the Tinh Tam Lake. The former royal palace garden now opens for visitors after one year of restoration and redecoration. Photo courtesy of Thua Thien-Hue newspaper

The lake and classic architecture were left in ruin for years due to bad weather and wartime, while household wastewater from local residents had polluted the lake.

The managing board of the site said the lake and old buildings on the two artificial islands – Phuong Truong and Bong Lai – were recovered to the original designs from previous centuries, while water pollution was improved.

A timber and bamboo structure bridge was built to help tourists access Phuong Truong artificial Island, the board said.

The rectangular 1,500m perimeter lake was used to grow lotus and create tranquil scenery for the garden complex for royal families.

Gastronomers in Hue used to aromatise green tea in lotus through the night before collecting it very early the next morning. Tea with lotus flavour was a popular drink among royalty.

The lake, which connects with the Ngu Ha and Huong rivers, will now be an option for tours in Hue.  VNS

Free entry to famous Hue lake

Tinh Tam Lake, a famous landscape in Hue Citadel has been opened for free to visitors.