The Royal Arena is located on the south bank of the Hương River, some 4 kilometres from the Citadel. Constructed in 1830 for duels between elephants and tigers arranged for the entertainment of the Nguyễn court and the public, it has a perimeter of 140 metres and a diameter of 44 metres, surrounded by two circular walls; the inner wall is aspproximately 6 metres high and 0.5 metres thick while the outer wall is nearly 5 metres high and 0.35 metres thick. These walls inclined slightly towards each other and between them earth was filled up to form a 4 metre passage for spectators. The stand faces south, opposite five tiger cages. To the right of the stand there is a large entrance for elephants. On either side lie two staircases, one for the king and mandarins and the other for the masses. Since the elephant symbolised the power of the royal dynasty and the tiger represented cruelty tigers were expected to die in the battle, so their claws were filed before each fight. The last tiger-elephant fight took here in 1904. A unique structure in East Asia, the Royal Arena is currently in poor condition but is earmarked for restoration.

Related links: Huế Historic Monuments.