On February 22, Hue City Police reported that they had promptly returned a lost handbag containing important documents and valuable property to a foreign tourist at Phu Bai International Airport.

On the Lantern Festival (the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month) more than 15 years ago, the most “pure Hue native” friend I know, architect Nguyen Trong Huan, and I put on thin raincoats and walked together through the light, drifting drizzle to search for Hue’s culinary specialties. Having lived in this city for many years, Huan still longed for the flavors he once tasted.

After more than 10 days of activities, Hue Spring Festival of the year of the Horse 2026, themed “Identity and Integration” organized by the People’s Committee of Hue City, officially concluded on the afternoon of February 21 (the 5th day of the Lunar January) at Ly Tu Trong Park (Le Loi Street, Thuan Hoa Ward).

Two world heritage cities - York (the UK) and Kyoto (Japan) - have been implementing Net Zero tourism models that Hue can refer and adapt to its local context.

Ask the people of Hue what flower they love most, and most will likely answer: the apricot blossom. To put it more formally, “hoang mai” - yellow apricot, without a doubt. Don’t believe it? Come to Hue and see for yourself! There’s a whole movement called “Yellow apricot blossom in front of the entrance”; a completed research project on “Conservation and development of Hue’s yellow apricot variety (Hue’s Hoang mai)”; a scientific conference on developing Hue’s Hoang mai into a key local product, aimed at successfully realizing the project to build Thua Thien Hue province (now Hue City) into Vietnam’s yellow apricot homeland. My friend, journalist Minh Tu, even published a book called “In front of the house stands a yellow apricot tree”, which sold out instantly, was reprinted, and translated into foreign languages to great acclaim.

After moments of family reunion and New Year greetings to grandparents and parents, many local residents and visitors have chosen Hue Imperial Citadel as their destination for early spring outings, immersing themselves in a Tet atmosphere rich in cultural depth.

In the mid-20th century, the establishment of multiple music publishing houses positioned Hue as a vital hub of Vietnamese music. As the former imperial capital, the city was both a magnet for prominent composers and a pioneering cradle that shaped the professional contours of Vietnam’s modern and traditional music through its distinguished publishing system.

Along the coastal regions of Central Vietnam, especially in the city of Hue, seahorses are not only a supplementary source of income for many fishermen but also an indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem. As seahorse populations continue to decline, reproductive research models and collaborations between fishermen and scientific institutions are opening up new hope: preserving this unique species for future generations.

On a pure morning, I bumped into groups of visitors strolling along the path leading into Hue Imperial Citadel. Cradling her camera in both hands, Ms. Marie, a French tourist, asked the guide in a gentle voice: “May I… try on Vietnam’s traditional costume?”. That question seemed to open an unexpected journey for them, an experience that felt as if they could touch the ancient soul of Hue

In the sacred moment of transition between the old year and the new year, the sky over Hue City lit up with fireworks to welcome the Year of the Horse 2026 amidst great joy.