The Imperial City Hue features the remnants of a walled fortress and royal quarters that once existed on the site. Emperor Gia Long created a replica of Beijing's Forbidden City in the early 19th century, and relocated his palace within the walls of the fortress.

A second set of walls and moat formed the area of the Purple Forbidden City. The enclosure was bombed during the French and American wars, and the site was badly damaged.

Vast rice fields cover most of the Purple Forbidden City, the remaining buildings have been restored and the city has been declared a UNESCO site.