Authorities in central Thua Thien-Hue Province have approved a large-scale project to restore the imperial tomb of the King Dong Khanh.
The VND76.343 billion (US$4.5 million) project is scheduled to be completed
by 2012, with funds sourced from the state budget and other sponsors, authorities said.
Surrounded by tombs of other royal family members, the mausoleum is located in Thuong Hai Hamlet of Thuy Xuan Commune.
Originally constructed in 1888 and renovated several times up to 1923, the tomb area and surrounding embellishments are praised for their blend of traditional architecture and modern design.
King Dong Khanh (1864-1889), the ninth king of the Nguyen Dynasty, ruled the country from 1885 – 1889.
The central town of Hue and its vicinity served as the old imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802-1945.
It was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site in 1993.
