The 'Cat King' mansion is more than 100 years old on the top of the white plateau

Thanks to its architecture being kept almost intact after a hundred years, Hoang A Tuong Palace - the "Cat King" of Bac Ha on the top of the "white plateau" is an attractive stopover for tourists every weekend.

Thanks to its architecture being kept almost intact after a hundred years, Hoang A Tuong Palace - the "Cat King" of Bac Ha on the top of the "white plateau" is an attractive stopover for tourists every weekend.

Hoang A Tuong mansion is located right in the center of Bac Ha town with a total area of ​​about 10,000 square meters, surrounded by many rows of luxuriant trees and residential houses. The project was built more than 100 years ago, during the period 1914-1921. This is the living and working place of father and son, Hoang Yen Tchao and Hoang A Tuong (Tay ethnic group) - the Border Territory before 1945.

The Tay people have a custom of naming the house after the child who lives with their parents when they grow up. Therefore, this project is called "Hoang A Tuong Mansion". Currently, this is one of the tourist attractions of the "white plateau".

The architecture is kept almost intact after hundreds of years. According to history books, the process of preparing and building this project was very elaborate. First, Earth Kingdom Hoang Yen Tchao invited a good geography teacher from China to find the best land and location in the region. The chosen location is on a wide hill. The mansion faces Southeast, leaning against the mountain, with a stream in front.

Not only its prime location, the architecture of Hoang A Tuong Ancient Mansion also makes visitors surprised by the smooth and delicate combination of two Asian and European architectural styles, demonstrating cultural interference. East-West clearly. The project was jointly designed and supervised by two architects from France and China.

Over time, the building has left traces of the years with moss-covered walls and brick courtyards, but still retains the main design system including: columns and roof embossed with many vine leaf and laurel patterns. symbol of prosperity, prosperity, happiness. The roof is covered with yin and yang tiles. The arched doors and bow-shaped staircase create an impression of innovation and grandeur.

The mansion has a closed, rectangular layout with a total of 36 rooms, with an escape tunnel system behind. The two-storey rows of houses on the left and right wings of the mansion are now places to display and sell souvenirs and handicraft products.

Coming here, visitors must buy an entrance ticket for 20,000 VND/person. At the entrance there is a horse riding rental service for taking photos for 30,000 VND/turn.

Ms. Thu Ha (tourist from Hanoi) said: "I have known where to visit the "King of Cats" Palace for a long time, but this is the first time I have set foot there. I feel impressed by the architecture and historical breath of the building. Entrance tickets are also very cheap. The space inside is suitable for taking virtual photos, feeling like being in Europe. However, many galleries are still vacant, the locality should take advantage of them to optimize the tourism exploitation of this location."

Mr. Alex and his wife (a Portuguese tourist) shared: "We came here for a vacation, and were introduced to the mansion by the tour guide. I found the architecture very beautiful, in the ancient Asian-European style." We walked around, took pictures and bought some souvenirs."

Hoang A Tuong ancient mansion is a place that marks a part of the lives of the people of the Bac Ha white plateau in the first half of the 20th century. With unique values, on June 11, 1999, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture and Information) Culture, Sports and Tourism) has decided to recognize Hoang A Tuong Ancient Mansion as a National Relic.

Lao Cai 1798 view

Update day : 23/09/2023