The Imperial City within the citadel comprises the Forbidden Purple City where the emperor and his family lived, the official buildings from where he ran his empire, temples, gardens and water features. The city is surrounded by a wall with four gates, the most remarkable of which lies to the south. While exploring the city, don’t miss Thai Hoa Palace, the Mieu Dynastic Temple and the urns in the Hien Lam Cac Pavilion – works of art adorned with colourful enamel and fine carvings.