Over the National Day (September 2) holiday, Hue welcomed a large number of visitors from near and far, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. From the Imperial Citadel and heritage sites to scenic spots, craft villages, and community-based tourism destinations, visitors can be seen sightseeing, experiencing local activities, posing for check-in photos, and capturing memorable moments on their journey to discover the Ancient Capital.

On the morning of August 28, Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR), in collaboration with Quang Tri Province People’s Committee and Hue People’s Committee, officially launched the ‘Phong Nha - Hue Imperial City: A World Heritage Journey’ tourist train at Dong Hoi Railway Station. Later that day, Hue City welcomed the train and held a ceremony to mark its arrival.

Rather than focusing on sheer visitor numbers, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center is shifting its service strategy at the Imperial City and other heritage sites toward product selectivity and enhanced visitor experiences, to attract high-spending tourists.

Among about 3,000 dishes documented nationwide, over 1,700 are believed to be prepared in Hue styles, bearing the distinctive hallmarks of the former imperial capital’s cuisine. This rich culinary heritage is one of the key reasons that Hue has chosen gastronomy as the focus of its application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

In the course of researching the cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty in the former Hue imperial capital, researchers often come across precious materials that have been preserved among local families, quietly surviving in the spaces of communal houses, pagodas, ancestral worship halls, or aristocratic residences. Layer upon layer of historical sediment is gradually being brought to light.

On the morning of July 3, hundreds of people wearing the traditional ao-dai took part in the “Ao Dai Connecting Tourism and Heritage” event, held at the forecourt of Quoc Tu Giam historical site of Hue Imperial Citadel (on 23 Thang 8 St., Phu Xuan Ward).

On the afternoon of June 14th, the Hue’s ‘Heritage Doors’ exhibition opened at Kien Trung Palace in Hue Imperial Citadel, introducing the public to dozens of remarkable artworks inspired by the heritage of the Ancient Capital. The event is part of Hue Festival 2026 and serves as a major artistic highlight attracting art enthusiasts, visitors, and members of the creative community.

More than just souvenir products, many heritage sites in Hue are being “refreshed” with products that showcase the distinctive cultural identity of the imperial court.

On the evening of April 25, at Hue Imperial Citadel, within the framework of Hue Festival 2026, the art program “Enchanting Imperial Palace” officially opened. The event offers a variety of experiential areas, recreating the shimmering and enchanting beauty of Hue’s royal heritage at night.

On the evening of April 25, the art program “Enchanting Imperial Palace” will officially open at Hue Imperial Citadel. Combining royal court art with modern technology, the program promises to offer visitors a fresh and immersive experience. At the same time, it serves as an important pilot step in developing a night-time economy linked to heritage.