Hoang A Tuong Mansion in Bac Ha white plateau

Hoang A Tuong mansion was built in 1914 – 1921. Its owners were father and son Hoang Yen Chao and Hoang A Tuong of Tay ethnic group who ruled the region and were called King before 1945. The Tay people have a custom of naming a house after the name of their son who lives with their parents in adulthood. Therefore, this project is called Hoang A Tuong mansion. Hoang A Tuong mansion was built in the style of Asia – Europe with closed rectangular layouts. The moss-covered mansion has stood majestically after almost a century. This is both a residence and a workplace for Hoang Yen Chao and Hoang A Tuong. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The luxurious building reflects the golden age of the father and son, Hoang Yen Chao and Hoang A Tuong (Tay ethnic group). It also reflects the hard and painful life of people in the remote border in the first half of the 20th century. Great size, unique features in architecture (combining Eastern and Western styles) together with thrilling stories about the owners of the house, traces of human life in the mountainous area of Bac Ha district (the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai) during the semi-feudal colonial period, the ancient palace of Hoang A Tuong became an attractive destination at the white plateau. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Hoang A Tuong mansion was the most luxurious mansion of its time. Over a century of existence, Hoang A Tuong mansion looks old and ancient. The color of time is tinted on each tile, corridor, pillar and mossy old wall. According to the Lao Cai Tourism Information and Promotion Center, this project was built in the period from 1914-1921. This is both a residence and a workplace for Hoang Yen Tchao and Hoang A Tuong (Tay ethnic group). The Tay people have a custom of naming a house after the name of their son who lives with their parents in adulthood. Therefore, this project is called Hoang A Tuong mansion. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The total area of Hoang A Tuong building is up to 10,000 m2, surrounded by walls with ways for guards to patrol. The process of preparation and construction of this project took place meticulously. It has the prime location and its architecture also makes visitors surprised. The Hoang A Tuong mansion is a delicate combination between Asian and European architectural styles with closed rectangular layouts, showing the clear East-West cultural interference. The work was designed and supervised by two architects from different cultures, France and China, according to the Lao Cai Tourism Information and Promotion Center. Experts said that the ancient palace Hoang A Tuong was a "witness" to history, memorizing the life of the people of Bac Ha white plateau in the first half of the 20th century. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Materials such as bricks and tiles were produced by the best craftsmen in the region and from China on the spot. In addition, iron, steel and cement were transported from the plains. Therefore, the luxury of the building reflects the golden age of the father and son of Hoang Yen Tchao and Hoang A Tuong. It also reflects the hard, painful and oppressive life of many people in the border region. The building’s column and roof system is covered in vines, leaf and laurel motifs symbolizing prosperity, and happiness. The arched door system and the bow-shaped staircase create an impression of innovation and superficiality for the project. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Over a century of existence, Hoang A Tuong mansion looks old and ancient. The color of time is tinted on each tile, corridor, pillar and mossy old wall. According to the Lao Cai Tourism Information and Promotion Center, Hoang A Tuong mansion project was built in the period from 1914-1921. This is both a residence and a workplace for Hoang Yen Tchao and Hoang A Tuong (Tay ethnic group). The color of time is tinted on each tile, corridor, pillar and mossy old wall. The villa has a continuous rectangular layout with a total of 36 rooms, behind is an escape tunnel system. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

According to historical records, before 1945, Bac Ha was a semi-feudal colonial society, the society divided classes and had strong divisions. Typical of the ruling class are the father and son Hoang Yen Tchao and Hoang A Tuong. In order to show his authority, during the rule of this region, the father and son of the Hoang family invited two French and Chinese architects to build a magnificent and magnificent palace. The luxury of this mansion not only shows in the scale, architecture but also in the construction method. All kinds of bricks are produced with meticulous attention, steel and cement are bought from below and carried by French airplanes. In 1921, the residence was completed, becoming one of the most prominent works in Bac Ha. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Designed by two architects from two different cultures, perhaps that is why Hoang A Tuong residence also blends the Asian-European style very nicely. The entire space of the mansion has a harmonious interweaving, rectangular layout, closed for a total of 36 rooms, with a total area of up to 4,000m2. Located on a large hill, there are mountains behind and on both sides of Hoang A Tuong mansion, in front is a gentle winding river. To access the inner grounds, visitors must step up stairs from both sides and then to the lounge. Next, you will find a spacious courtyard, where ceremonies, dance or other fun activities are held. Discovering the mansion architecture you will be overwhelmed by the luxury and splendor. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Before the August Revolution, as well as the general situation of Vietnam, a large area of Lao Cai was still immersed in the harshness of feudalism. And yet, the characteristics of the highlands have separated and divided the class parts for exploitation. And emerged in the aristocracy this time in the Bac Ha plateau was the father and son Hoang Yen Tchao - Hoang A Tuong. Those who have set foot in the coastal town of Si Ma Cai are in awe of the ancient contemplation and historical values of Hoang A Tuong mansion, by the color of time and legends about the owner of the mansion as it still remains on each column of the house or the old mossy wall corners. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Those who have set foot in the coastal town of Si Ma Cai are in awe of the ancient contemplation and historical values of Hoang A Tuong palace, by the color of time and legends about the owner of the mansion as it still remains on each column of the house or the old mossy wall corners. Referring to the mansion, many seniors living in this land of white clouds still remember like printing the regulations to tribute beeswax materials on the cliffs of the people to build luxury villas. After many years of history, it is undeniable that the people of Bac Ha were so old that, in addition to taxes, slaves also had to pay opium periodically for the Hoang family to benefit. Due to monopolizing the sale of salt and basic necessities under the French protection, Hoang A Tuong created a terrible wealth. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Legend has it that, before the Hoang A Tuong residence was started, the Hoang family invited a famous Chinese geographer to choose the land. The circuit is extremely important when building a permanent, permanent building, so geographers have to use both feng shui and feng shui magic to choose a harmonious land and yin and yang. After two years of searching, the geographer found the land. It is a tall, square in the southeast, with mountains behind and on the left and right sides. In the front, there are streams and mountains "mother with her baby". It was believed that this position would not only create a wonderful view but also, according to mental factors, help raise the fortune. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The work started in 1914. Materials to make the work were carefully prepared by Hoang A Tuong. It is said that iron and steel cement is carried by plane from bottom to top. And bricks and tiles were produced by the Hoang family on the spot, made of clay in the heart of the mountains, under the supervision of Chinese ceramic experts. The mansion was designed by two French and Chinese architects. Therefore, Hoang A Tuong residence is designed to combine harmonious Asian and European architecture. Workers are the best masons get in prisons and they divide it up to do different jobs. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Overall, the Hoang family residence is very harmonious. The arch at the top of the main house has two laurel branches, with a moon-shaped hole in the middle. Around the Hoang A Tuong house, there is a thick fence consisting of 3 gates: One main and two sub. All four sides of the fence had holes in them, and there were usually two platoons of guard guards regularly. And yet, the back of the house also has a solid escape hatch and contains many secrets. Perhaps that is why, after 7 years of construction, on the day of the inauguration, the entire trophy of the tunnel builder, the person holding the drawings and construction was… missing. Someone said that Hoang A Tuong "annihilated" them to keep the cellar secret. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

In addition to building mansions to show dominance, the Hoang family also carries a bold trend of renovating the construction in the durable style of the French and ancient Chinese. All the tiled roofs and wooden bridges are French but are combined with Chinese spiritual architecture through the dragon phoenix and the four spirits. With a land area of up to 10,000 m2 on a flat hill, the construction area of a two-story building is up to 4,000 m2. All the rooms for wives, children and separate living quarters for French officials and advisers ... It can be affirmed that Hoang A Tuong mansion is a wonder of the Bac Ha plateau. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The main two-storey mansion is surrounded by auxiliary houses on the left and the right, and has beautiful decorations on its façade and inside its rooms. To enter it, visitors have to walk on one of the two staircases in front of the building to the waiting room before they can step into a large yard. The door-domed mansion has four rooms on the two sides which used to be the places for family activities while the central rooms on both floors were used as meeting venues. Hoang A Tuong Palace is certainly worth a visit as the light yellow building with moss can give visitors an opportunity to learn about the life of a family of the ruling class and part of Bac Ha’s history in the past. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The ancient palace Hoang A Tuong was a ‘witness’ to history, memorizing the life of the people of Bac Ha white plateau in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai in the first half of the 20th century. On June 11, 1999, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) recognized the ancient palace of Hoang A Tuong as a national relic site. To attract tourists to this unique place, Bac Ha district in particular and Lao Cai province in general have often organized many cultural and arts events, such as photo exhibitions and historical contests in the mansion space. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The Hoang A Tuong mansion is a historical evidence of the white highlands. The former owner was Hoang Yen Tchao and his son Hoang A Tuong. The father and son are Tay ethnic people. People in the area used to call him the Meo King. Because in the past more than 70 percent of people in the region are H’Mong (Meo) people. Hoang Yen Tchao has ruled the land of Bac Ha since about 1905 and monopolized the sale of salt and opium, supplies for local people. His father and mother built the mansion thanks to these resources. So it can be said that the mansion is a result, a bloody sweat of the people and ethnic groups of Bac Ha. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The mansion was designed to be a residence and a workplace, as well as a fortified fortress. The total area of the residence at that time was 10,000 m2. It is surrounded by a wall of earth, 80cm thick and 2.8m high. The four sides of the fence all have apricot holes. The old mansion had 3 gates, including 1 main gate, 2 auxiliary gates. In order to protect the royal father and son's mansion, the two guards guarded regularly. There are 36 rooms in the villa. The main block is for owners to stay and work. Two smaller outbuildings in the back are for soldiers and servants. In addition, the palace also has an auxiliary part including stables, food warehouses. History changed, the army entered Bac Ha in 1950. The Hoang family left for France just before the liberation of Bac Ha. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Going deep into the mansion is the main house. There are two sub-houses on the left and the right. These houses surround a courtyard. To enter the mansion, visitors have to pass several stairs from the two sides to the waiting room, and then step into the large yard. The main house has two stories, with a total area of 420 m². The doors are vaulted. Corridors have rail. The four rooms on the two sides are the space for family activities. The center room on both floors are used as a meeting place. The main side is decorated with elaborate patterns. On the right and left are two parallel sentences wishing glory family. The total area of this mansion is up to 4,000 m². The house was completed in 1921. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

According to the historical record, the leaders of the H’Mong people that migrated to the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai more than 200 years ago was Hoang Sin Dan - a famous patriarch. Bac Ha is the first destination for H’Mong ethnic group to make their living. Hoang A Tuong Mansion known as Bac Ha mansion is named after the descendants of the Hoang family. The work started in 1914. Materials to make the work were carefully prepared by Hoang A Tuong. It is said that iron and steel cement is carried by plane from bottom to top. And bricks and tiles were produced by the Hoang family on the spot, made of clay in the heart of the mountains, under the supervision of Chinese ceramic experts. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Hoang A Tuong Mansion was built on a land of over 10,000 square meters and a double-storeyed area of about 400 square meters, which is the combination of Western architecture and Chinese design. The materials to make the works are carefully prepared by Hoang A Tuong. According to the recorded history, materials for building the mansion are local limestone, sand, molasses, beeswax, and cement and steel brought from Hanoi and Lao Cai. Because the building material is quite special in Bac Ha at that time, the Hoang family has tightened regulations for the payment of beeswax and opium. In addition, the entire roof is covered with ceramic tile that is made from clay in the mountain with the supervision of Chinese experts. The floor is also paved with precious wood that was extracted from Hoang Lien Son. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Over the past 100 years, Hoang A Tuong Palace is still intact with time. Although the building has been repainted, it still has the boldly majestic ancient style that makes it gradually became famous tourist attractions. At present, in the palace, there is a suite for selling local handicrafts such as scarves, dresses, brocade or handbags, silver rings, and other rooms for souvenir displays. These souvenirs are artworks on upland ethnic life and costumes of traditional Dao, H’Mong. Beside, behind the main house, there is a model of a corn vodka making machine of the people of Bac Ha in the old days. This is where you are introduced of how to make wine in the old days as well as enjoy Bac Ha corn wine. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

In the mansion, there are not only living rooms, working rooms but also court rooms and prisoners' rooms. All the lawsuits filed by people in the area before were brought here for trial. Those who commit the crime were locked up in a prisoner room with cellar and footsteps. Many people in the area said that before the family of Hoang Yen Tchao was very rich. On sunny days, people brought silver to dry to avoid mold, which covered the whole yard. It is said that Tchao has been handed over to build a large vault to store gold, silver and jewels. In fact, there are four Dinh Moc Huong trees in the mansion behind the house. This is both an ornamental plant and also the hallmark of Mr. Tchao's wealth. After the family of Mr. Hoang Yen Tchao left, he sent news to his descendants living in Bac Ha to dig 2 stumps of Moc trees to get gold and silver. As a result, 2 trees were dead, currently only 2 trees remain. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

At that time, the gap between bureaucrats and commoners was very clear. For ordinary people, if coming to the Hoang family, they had to wait outside, the guard came in to report to Hoang Yen Tchao. If they had his permission, they could enter. When designing this house, Hoang Yen Tchao built rainwater tanks near the main door for people to wash their feet before going up the stairs to the house. The servants and soldiers guarding the house were not allowed to go to the main gate, but had to go around the side gate to the back of the house. Not only commoners entering the house, those who ride their horse through the main gate also you have to get off. Those sitting on a horse passing through the gate will be taken down and beat by the the soldiers for disrespecting Hoang Yen Tchao. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

The Hoang A Tuong mansion was built from 1914 to 1921 on the way to Si Ma Cai. Hoang A Tuong of the Tay ethnic group is a son of Hoang Yen Chao - a tycoon in the Bac Ha highlands. Before the liberation of Lao Cai (November 1950), Bac Ha was not only on the silk road connecting Yunnan through Central Asia, but also the place that transshipped opium from Central Asia through Indochina to the South Asia region and vice versa. The Bac Ha Plateau used to be famous as an area of poppy plants, taxing people down with opium. History books also recorded that each year Bac Ha collects taxes from 1.8-2.25 tons of opium. Hoang A Tuong alone collected 500 kg of opium each year from people, forced people to sell 500 kg cheaply, led the wholesale chain to sell opium and other goods across Asia through Bac Ha. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Although the building has been repainted, it still has the boldly majestic ancient style that makes it gradually became famous tourist attractions. At present, in the palace, there is a suite for selling local handicrafts such as scarves, dresses, brocade or handbags, silver rings, and other rooms for souvenir displays. These souvenirs are artworks on upland ethnic life and costumes of traditional Dao, H’Mong. Beside, behind the main house, there is a model of a corn vodka making machine of the people of Bac Ha in the old days. This is where you are introduced of how to make wine in the old days as well as enjoy Bac Ha corn wine. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Nearly 100 years of existence with time, the moss covered houses still stands majestically amid the town. Bright sunlight slants through the doorway, the hallway, the room loophole but the rooms here are still gloomy. Hoang A Tuong mansion today is painted in the bright yellow, which makes the mansion lose its deep moss color. But despite being "colored," the mansion still makes visitors feel strange. Going through the long hallway, imaginative visitors will see a lot of scenes in the old time, when maids were given the cane on the yard, the “kings”’ wives walking in the room, the noise and the smoke of opium in a small room ... (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Since the mansion was managed by the State, it has been renovated and became a tourist destination for visitors to explore the place where the "Meo King" used to live and rule the people in the Northwest region. Many photographers also visit the mansion of the "King of the Cat" as a place to compose artwork. To attract tourists to this unique place, Bac Ha district in particular and Lao Cai province in general have often organized many cultural and arts events, such as photo exhibitions and historical contests in the mansion space. In addition, to meet travel demand and visitors’ wish to experience the mansion online, the relic site now provides QR code for them to learn about information, history and architecture of the building. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)