Splendour and serenity: Part of the Khiem Lang Mausoleum, which will open another gate for tourists after restoration work is completed. — Photo Phuoc Buu

THUA THIEN-HUE (VNS)— Work was started yesterday on a project to restore some ruined buildings at Khiem Lang Mausoleum, the site of King Tu Duc's tomb, in Hue City.

The restoration will take place on three buildings, Xung Khiem Pavilion, Du Khiem Pavilion and the gate of Khiem Cung Palace, all located around the Luu Khiem Lake.

According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, the wooden houses and concrete gate built in 1864 were damaged in 1945, and have deteriorated further over time.

The project will cost a total of VND26 billion (US$1.2 million), which is being provided by local people and from the city's budget. The restoration work will take three years due to complications to the structures of the buildings.

Nguyen Van Phuc, an official from the monuments centre, said that the mausoleum would remain open for tourists as the construction site dominated only part of the area.

The centre had also planned to open one more gate to create easier access for tourists, he told Viet Nam News.

Khiem Lang Mausoleum belongs to the Nguyen Dynasty's fourth king Duc Tong Anh, who went by the name Tu Duc. It is now one of the country's most beautiful heritage sites, attracting millions of visits a year. — VNS