On the morning of June 29, the 2026 professional training course for swimming and diving lifeguards officially kicked off at Hue City Sports Center, drawing nearly 100 participants, including officials and employees from agencies, organizations, and businesses across Hue.

On the morning of June 26, Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hue City, in collaboration with Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thuy Xuan Ward, organized a communication program on moral and lifestyle education within families. The event was held in response to the National Action Month on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control and to mark the 25th anniversary of Vietnam Family Day (2001–2026).

With over 120 kilometers of coastline and a vast lagoon system bestowed by nature, Hue is home to numerous attractive seafood markets, including Phu Hau Market and Ngu My Thanh Floating Market, and Vinh Hien Market… In this issue of Hue Today Weekly, we would like to take readers to the fish market of Thuan An through a series of photos taken by Duc Quang, a reporter, offering a glimpse into the vibrant daily life of a coastal fishing community.

Vietnam in the post-war years, the old streets of Hanoi and Saigon in the early 1970s, and the simple rhythms of life during the country's early years of economic reform are vividly brought to life through 27 remarkable photographic works by three French artists at the exhibition “Vietnam Crossroads”, which opened on the afternoon of June 13th.

“Instead of just harvesting the fruits to sell at the market, now I also ‘sell’ the shade beneath the trees, the hands-on experience of bending branches to pluck the fruits, and the human life stories deeply intertwined with the lifespan of the trees”..., shared old farmer Le Thong, the owner of an orchard with over 200 trees in Thuan Loc Village, Binh Dien Commune.

Workshops such as pottery making, picture coloring, and “healing”-themed cafés (spaces designed to promote relaxation and emotional well-being) have become increasingly common in Hue in recent years. This trend reflects young people's growing desire to achieve mental balance amid academic and work-related pressures, as well as a lifestyle closely tied to social media. Beginning as an emotional concept, “healing” has gradually given rise to a distinct service market targeting young customers in Hue.

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.

Thanks to the application of artificial intelligence (AI), many of Hue’s heritage values are being retold by young people in an entirely new “language”. Historic structures and symbolic cultural icons, long associated with an atmosphere of antiquity and quiet elegance, are now being brought to life through digital creations, contributing to taking Hue Ancient Capital’s image closer to young audiences.

Alongside the Hue heritage complex, the French architectural works that remain today are seen as part of the soul of Hue’s urban landscape. Through the lens of sketching, these structures appear to take on a new look and a different kind of “life” in the eyes of artists and architects.

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.