More than half a century has passed, yet memories of the battles of the past remain deeply etched in the mind of veteran Le Huu Tong whenever he looks back toward the old battlefield. On the sandy ground near Huong Thuy Station, the fiery memories of that night’s battle, together with the dedication of the soldiers searching for and gathering the remains of fallen comrades, are quietly rekindling hope for countless families who have spent years waiting for news.

As the late afternoon sun begins to fade, a small tent is pitched on the sandy shore of Loc Binh Beach (Vinh Loc Commune). Nearby, a group of folding chairs surrounds a glowing mini barbecue grill. Accompanied by the gentle rhythm of waves lapping the shore, Ms Tuyet Loan and Mr Chi Nhan from Phu Xuan Ward are enjoying the meal while soaking in the tranquility that mini camping offers.

When the Pa Co language finds its voice on digital platforms, and when history is recreated through virtual reality technology, the traditional cultural values of A Luoi are also discovering new pathways for preservation and sustainable dissemination in the digital age. Remarkably, this initiative is the result of a scientific innovation project developed by a group of students from this mountainous region.

Painter Mai Chau and the late painter Than Van Huy are two prominent figures in Hue's fine arts scene, leaving behind a legacy of works deeply imbued with Zen philosophy and a profound love for their homeland, Buddhism, and humanity. Their paintings possess a compelling depth, prompting viewers to slow down, reflect, and find a sense of serenity amidst life.

The culture and way of life in the highlands possess a unique charm. This appeal comes not only from the distinct customs, cuisine, and lifestyle, but also from the unique stories of the mountains and forests preserved by ethnic minority communities, as well as their cultural identities passed down through generations.

On the occasion of April 30 - May 1 holidays marking Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day, young people in Hue and tourists are drawn to vibrant check-in spots decked out with the colors of the red flag with yellow star, vintage coffee shops, and heritage-rich spaces steeped in local identity. Beyond an opportunity for “checking-in”, these destinations offer a chance for the young to find balance, recharge, and enjoy the holiday in a way that is both reflective and vividly expressive.

At cultural festivals, exchange events, or student programs in Hue, it is not uncommon to see young people dressed in Japanese attire, moving in synchronized formations to vibrant music. They are members of Mirai Yosakoi Club, a yosakoi dance team comprised of students from the Faculty of Japanese Language & Culture, University of Foreign Languages, Hue University.

In 2000, in the short piece entitled “Hue Diary,” written when he returned for the first Hue Festival, musician Trinh Cong Son wrote, “When you have a place to return, or to visit from time to time, you are very fortunate. There, you have a river, a mountain, and you can find again your old friends whose hair used to be black has now turned grey. You might suddenly meet a Hue girl on the street and ask her, ‘Is there anything new in Hue now?’ And immediately, or perhaps by chance, she will recite the two lines from a poem by Bui Giang: “Da thua xu Hue bay gio/ Van con nui Ngu ben bo song Huong” (“Yes, sir, Hue now/ Still has Ngu Mount by the Huong river…”)

Familiar literary figures from Hue shared ways to find inspiration for reading with many students during an event organized by Hue City Library.

Amid the tranquil rhythm of life in Hue, music still finds places of its own to resonate, not on grand stages, but in small rooms, where young people freely pour their passion into an ever-growing number of local recording studios.