The majestic and magnificent Thai Hoa Palace (in the Imperial City) has been given a “new coat,” leaving those who witness it are not only overwhelmed but also in awe of the craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to the restoration work over the past three years.

On the afternoon of February 2, the People's Committee of Thuan Hoa District organized the closing ceremony of the At Ty (the Year of the Snake) Spring Festival 2025. Attendees included leaders from Phu Xuan and Thuan Hoa districts, as well as artisans participating in the Spring Festival.

The husband-and-wife duo of Distinguished Artisans Ta Dur Tu and Areel Doi, residents of A Luoi District, have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting the unique cultural values of ethnic minority communities. Over 40 years of tireless collection, research, and teaching have made them guiding lights in safeguarding traditional cultural identities for future generations.

The 2024 Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Cultural Festival is currently taking place in Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province. This year, the Thua Thien Hue delegation participates with over 60 cadres, artists, and artisans.

For the first time, artisans and skilled workers are honored for their significant contributions to the preservation and restoration of historical monuments.

The art of making reliefs appeared in Hue thousands of years ago. It flourished brilliantly in the 17th century along with copper casting and Hue porcelain mosaics on the complex of relics in Hue ancient capital. In the 21st century, painters and skillful artisans in Hue contributed to the development of the art.

“Vang son ky my – the essence of Vietnamese craftsmanship” is something that photographer Nguyen Phong is particularly passionate about as he introduced to Thua Thien Hue Weekly a series of photos showcasing “the golden hands” of artisans perfecting the process of applying gold leaf and lacquer to the columns of Thai Hoa Palace.

From purchased pieces of broken ceramic bowls, the talented hands of Hue ceramic mosaic artisans have revived the majestic appearance of flying dragons and dancing phoenixes on Hue Ancient Capital's monuments, pagodas, temples...

Inanimate pieces of wood have become magnificent unique works of art thanks to the skills and talents of artisans and sculptors. They have shown the beauty of the culture and life of the ethnic people of Co Tu in the mountainous district of Nam Dong.

Visiting Bao La Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative (Quang Phu commune, Quang Dien district), I met artisans who are hard at work keeping their professions and looking for new directions through their product design improvement. Many of their fine and quality handicraft products have been present in the world market.