Historic temple in Hue to be restored

The former imperial capital of Hue's Ta Tung Tu (Left Temple) will soon be the last building in Nguyen Dynasty Emperor Minh Mang's royal complex to be restored.
The restoration of the temple, located in Thua Thien Hue Province's Huong Tra District, began August 11.
The total cost of the restoration is estimated at VND7.2 billion (US$346,000).
According to the Hue Relic Preservation Center, the project is being paid for by the World Monuments Fund (US$46,000) and the center’s annual budget for restoration.
The restoration will be completed by next July, according to a plan drafted by the Central Branch of the Institute of Building Science and Technology.
In addition to Ta Tung Tu, built in 1843, the complex includes Huu Tung Tu (Right Temple), Sung An Palace, and Hien Duc Mon, all of which were used to worship Emperor Minh Mang (1791-1841), his empress and other high ranking mandarins.
The temple, covering an area of over 100 square meters, has been badly damaged by war, time and weather.