The Vuong family mansion is one of the architectural works imbued with the history and culture of ethnic minorities in Ha Giang. Located amidst the majestic natural scenery of Sa Phin Valley, the mansion not only attracts tourists with its unique architectural beauty but also contains many interesting historical stories. The combination of different cultures with the historical traces of the Vuong family, all create a vivid picture of the glorious and rich past of this land. In this article, let’s explore with ZingHome what is impressive about King Meo’s Palace to become a unique tourist destination.
1. Introducing the Vuong family mansion
King Cat’s Mansion, also known as Vuong Family Mansion, is located in Sa Phin Valley, Lung Phin commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province, about 125km from the city center and only 15km from the Dong Van Karst Plateau. This ancient house is associated with the lives and careers of two Mong people, the Meo King Vuong Chinh Duc and Vuong Chi Sinh (or Vuong Chi Thanh). Mr. Vuong Chinh Duc (1886 – 1962) was the head of the feudal land government in the mountainous areas of the Mong people, so he was also known by the powerful name of King Meo.
2. History and cultural significance
The Vuong family mansion is not only a residence but also a living witness of history. Through each stone, wall, and house, we can see the ups and downs in the life of the Vuong family along with the changes in the surrounding society.
History of Formation
The construction of the mansion began in 1898 and was completed in 1907, costing a substantial sum of 150,000 Indochinese silver dollars, equivalent to approximately 150 billion VND today. The mansion was designed and built by skilled craftsmen from Yunnan, China, in collaboration with the local Hmong people, resulting in a structure covering over 1,200 square meters on a plot of around 3,000 square meters.
Due to its long history and undeniable cultural value, the Vuong Family Mansion was recognized as a national heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 1993, nearly a century after its construction. Additionally, the mansion took five years to complete, and the entire project was carried out manually without the use of machinery.
The construction of the Vuong Family Mansion symbolizes the prosperity of the Vuong family during the feudal period when they held significant privileges and influence in society. This is especially evident when considering not only the scale and architectural design but also the interior arrangement.
The mansion also served as the venue for many important events in the region’s history, from grand ceremonies to critical meetings between influential figures of that time. This is why the mansion is not only a tangible cultural heritage but also a valuable repository of knowledge about the history and culture of ethnic minorities.
Cultural Significance
The Vuong Family Mansion not only offers a deep insight into the lifestyle and culture of the H’Mong people but also serves as a preservation of their unique cultural values. Visitors to the mansion can admire its distinctive architecture while also learning about the customs, language, and traditional arts of the H’Mong community.
The mansion plays a vital role in the cultural journey through northern Vietnam, where it is an essential part of exploring the ethnic heritage of the region. Preserving and promoting the cultural value of this heritage has become the responsibility not only of the Vuong family but also of society as a whole. Regular cultural preservation activities and exchanges have provided opportunities to maintain the beauty of traditional culture in the modern world.
Interestingly, every corner of the mansion tells a story—from the murals and furniture to the smallest details. The love and dedication of its creators are evident, further enhancing the cultural value of the structure.
3. Unique architecture of King Cat’s mansion
Architectural style
The architecture of the Vuong family mansion represents a delicate combination of three cultures: Mong, French, and Chinese, creating a living space that is both cozy and formal. In particular, this architecture is not only a symbol of wealth but also represents the timeless vision of the Vuong family.
King Cat’s mansion is located at the foot of a valley surrounded above by a high land. With this type of terrain, the entire structure is protected by mountain arcs called turtle shell positions, providing very good defense support during times of fierce war. After more than a hundred years of existence, everything in the mansion is still intact as of the first day, creating excitement for everyone who comes here to check prices.
The stacked roof system along with meticulously carved stone column bases bring elegant beauty to the building. The highlight is the large wooden doors, carved with intricate patterns, which not only demonstrate sculpting techniques but also reflect the cultural context of that period.
Despite the combination of three cultures in architecture, many people commented that the Vuong family mansion is extremely harmonious, flexible, and rhythmic as if forming a unified block without being restrictive or forced. In addition, although it is a project built on a land area of up to 3,000 square meters, the mansion is not as large or massive as many people imagine because it is composed of small subdivisions, with a simple, rusticity of folk architectural culture. The design with the principle of low inside and high outside makes the overall villa even closer to the surrounding landscape.
Construction layout
The layout of the mansion is very reasonable and scientific, including 4 horizontal houses; and 6 vertical houses divided into 3 main areas like the front section (used for soldiers and workers); The central palace and the rear palace are the living and working places with 64 small rooms divided into 2 floors.
To meet the criteria of solidity, the roofs, walls, and pillars are made of wood to add elegance and flexibility to the rooms. Another material used is terracotta used in the construction of tile roof areas to make shaping easier but no less unique. The house is a combination of 3 different cultures but every corner of this mansion is in harmony with each other. Furthermore, human hands combined with the natural beauty of Sa Phin Valley make the Vuong Family Mansion special.
Each area is harmoniously connected, creating favorable conditions for movement and living. This also shows the designer’s vision when thinking about the daily life of the residents here.
Highlights
As soon as you step into the mansion area, the first impression you will see is the image of tall, straight rows of sandalwood trees hundreds of years old. Outside is the stone gate of the palace with extremely delicate and majestic carved lines or the house gate with a curved and curving tile roof like the image of bat wings. The wooden gate roof is carved extremely delicately and skillfully.
Besides, visitors coming here will not be impressed by the highlights of the Vuong family mansion. One of them is the solid stone wall system surrounding the relic, creating the feeling of a solid fortress. The walkways are made of intricately carved stone, evoking the care and love that has gone into this house for generations.
In addition, the interior of the mansion also brings many surprises to visitors. Ancient items are still carefully preserved and preserved, reflecting the lifestyle of the Vuong family through the ages. In particular, handmade objects from local artisans not only have artistic value but also contain many historical stories.
4. Experience visiting the Vuong family mansion
When you decide to visit the Meo King’s mansion, you will not only admire a beautiful architectural work but also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of this land. To get the best experience, below are some valuable experiences that you should keep in mind.
The Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit the Vuong family mansion is around March to April. During this time, the climate is pleasant, the natural landscape is brilliant, very suitable for exploring and taking photos. In addition, September to November is also the ideal time, when the rice season is ripe and buckwheat flowers bloom, bringing wonderful beauty to the highlands of Ha Giang.
Entrance ticket price
Current entrance ticket prices to visit the mansion are:
- Adults: 30,000 VND
- Children: 10,000 VND
- Children under 6 years old: Free
For visitors to have the best experience, the relic is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. You can easily plan an entire day of sightseeing without worrying about time limits.
Notes when visiting
When visiting the Vuong family mansion, there are some important things you need to note:
- Driving skills: Mountain roads have many slopes and curves, ensuring you are able to control your vehicle safely.
- Check the vehicle: Before leaving, make sure your vehicle is in good condition for a safe journey.
- Weather: Ha Giang has cold weather at night, prepare a jacket and raincoat.
- Shoes: Choose sneakers or hiking shoes for easy movement.
- Take photos with local people: Please respect the culture and politely ask permission before taking photos.
- Comply with the regulations of the mansion management board.
The Vuong family mansion is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a valuable cultural heritage, demonstrating the historical and traditional wealth of the Mong people. Visiting this unique architectural work not only helps you better understand the local culture but also brings memorable experiences when traveling to Ha Giang. For more information and travel tips in Ha Giang, please visit the ZingHome website.
