Explore the dragon motifs at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting Vietnam's 1,000-year history of power, culture, and resilience.
For over 1,000 years, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi has been the beating heart of Vietnam’s history, a symbol of the nation's enduring strength and cultural resilience. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel stands as a testament to Vietnam’s four millennia of civilization, filled with relics and artifacts that reflect the evolution of the country. Among these treasures, dragons—symbols of power in Eastern cultures—are central to the citadel’s historical narrative, decorating everything from ceremonial objects to architectural elements.

The Symbol of Power: Dragons in Eastern Culture

The image of the dragon is deeply rooted in the history of Vietnam, especially within the walls of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. In Eastern cultures, dragons represent ultimate power, prosperity, and protection. In Vietnam, these creatures came to symbolize the strength and authority of the emperor and the royal family, particularly after Emperor Ly Cong Uan moved the capital from Hoa Lu to what would become Thang Long (present-day Hanoi) in 1010.

In his "Edict on the Transfer of the Capital," Emperor Ly described the new capital as "between heaven and earth, where the coiled dragon and crouching tiger lie." Naming the city Thang Long, which means "Ascending Dragon," symbolized the country’s desire for progress and prosperity. From this moment onward, the dragon motif became intricately tied to Vietnam’s imperial identity.

The Dragon as a Royal Symbol

For nearly a millennium, from the Ly Dynasty to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty, dragons became royal mascots, representing the emperor, the royal court, and the nation’s supreme authority. The imagery of dragons was reserved for royal ceremonies, palace decorations, and artifacts used by the emperors, firmly establishing them as symbols of power and divine right.

Many of these royal dragon depictions are found in Kinh Thien Palace, the spiritual and political center of the Thang Long Citadel. Kinh Thien Palace was constructed during the Le Dynasty and served as the throne hall for emperors. Though destroyed during the French colonial period, parts of its original structure remain, including handrails intricately carved with dragons, which are now considered national treasures.

National Treasures of Thang Long
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is home to some of Vietnam’s most important archaeological relics, many of which feature dragon motifs. These include the Kinh Thien Palace handrails, a dragon head from the Tran dynasty, and collections of royal porcelain from the Le dynasty. Each of these treasures showcases the prominence of dragons in the country's imperial history.

- Kinh Thien Palace Handrails: Carved in the early Le and Revival Le Dynasties, these stone handrails are unique examples of stone craftsmanship, depicting dragons with intricate details, alongside clouds, phoenixes, and lotus flowers. They represent the power of the emperor and are now considered national treasures.

- Terracotta Dragon Head: Discovered during excavations for Thang Long’s millennium celebrations, this large, intact terracotta dragon head dates back to the Tran dynasty and would have once adorned palace roofs. It was used as a spiritual protector, guarding the palace from fires.

- Royal Porcelain Bowls: Two royal porcelain bowls from the early Le dynasty, with embossed five-clawed dragons at their center, are also among the citadel's national treasures. These bowls are light, translucent, and represent the supreme power of the emperor.

These dragon-decorated artifacts reflect the high level of artistic and cultural sophistication achieved by Vietnam's imperial dynasties.

Dragon Stories Through Exhibitions and Discoveries
The “dragon story” of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is told through various exhibitions and archaeological findings. The Institute of Imperial Citadel Studies (IICS) has been instrumental in uncovering and preserving these treasures. One notable exhibition, "Archaeological Discoveries Under the National Assembly House," showcased dragon-themed artifacts discovered beneath the citadel’s structures.

Archaeologists have also recreated architectural plans of Thang Long, including models that reveal the grandeur of palaces like Kinh Thien during the Ly Dynasty. These exhibits, along with pieces like bodhi-leaf tiles adorned with dragon motifs, offer glimpses into the spiritual and cultural importance of dragons in Vietnam's imperial architecture.

Dragons and Vietnam’s Unique Architectural Legacy
One of the most exciting recent discoveries at Thang Long has been the revelation of dragon-themed tiles used in the construction of palaces. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Minh Tri, Director of the IICS, described these tiles as a distinctive feature of the Le dynasty. Yellow and green-glazed dragon tiles have been found at the site, and their design is unique to Vietnam. These tiles once adorned the roofs of Kinh Thien Palace, underscoring the role dragons played in the symbolism and aesthetic of royal architecture.

Conclusion: Continuing the Legacy of Dragons
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is not just an archaeological treasure trove; it is a living testament to Vietnam's long and rich history. The dragons of Thang Long continue to inspire and captivate both locals and international visitors. From the intricate carvings on stone handrails to terracotta roof ornaments and royal porcelain bowls, these dragon motifs are more than just decorative—they tell the story of a nation’s rise and its enduring spirit.

As research continues and new discoveries are made, the "dragon story" of Thang Long will keep evolving, further deepening the connection between Vietnam’s past and its cultural identity today. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and historical research, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel’s dragon tales will continue to inspire future generations.