THUA THIEN–HUE (VNS)— The central city of Hue has opened Emperor Bao Dai's palace to the public to mark the New Year, giving tourists to the former royal capital a closer look at life during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

The deposed emperor and his wife resided in the Khai Tuong Lau Palace from 1945 to 1955. The hall is part of the An Dinh complex, which is a separate royal residency located on the south bank of the Huong (Perfume) River.

Visitors will have a chance to look at furniture and daily items used by the emperor and his wife, but the highlight of the palace is the magnificent wall paintings that German experts restored in 2007.

Books and photos about the country's last empress, Nam Phuong, who was one of the most beautiful leaders in Viet Nam's feudal history, are also part of the exhibition.

According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, visitors will enjoy free entry to the site from January 20 until the end of March. — VNA/VNS