These days, the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival is already filling the streets. From the skillful hands of craftsmen diligently working on unicorn heads, Earth God masks, and drums… to spectacular unicorn dance performances on competition stages and in welcoming spaces at the Imperial Citadel,… all come together to create a vibrant picture of the Mid-Autumn in the Ancient Capital, preserving the unique cultural beauty and leaving lasting impressions on visitors.

Beyond visiting heritage sites, enjoying local cuisine and exploring traditional crafts, residents and visitors to Hue now have more interactive and creative ways to experience the city. From getting acquainted with the handpan and making wagashi by hand to painting and crafting, … small-scale workshops are adding new ‘colors’ to the life experiences in the Ancient Capital.

Behind the graceful and fluid movements on stage lie years of rigorous training, injuries, and quiet sacrifices. For Hue dancers, the challenge also lies in embracing contemporary influences while preserving the elegance, solemnity, and refinement that characterize the former imperial capital.

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.

At noon on August 23, the 2nd Capital Cup-2026 - Hue Dancesport Festival officially kicked off at Aeon Mall Hue. As part of Hue Sports Festival 2026, the tournament was jointly held by Hue Talent Club, Hoang Sy Clubs, LTD Danang Recreational Sport Choreography Company Limited, and Aeon Mall Hue.

After a period of preparation, the Hue - Phong Nha heritage train will officially be launched on August 28. Notably, starting August 17, the railway sector has begun selling tickets for the HQ1/HQ2 train pair, named ‘World Heritage Journey’, connecting Hue Ancient Capital with Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

On August 19 and September 2, Vietnamese citizens will be granted free admission to heritage sites managed by Hue Monuments Conservation Center. The initiative offers an opportunity for visitors to explore Hue’s heritage during the public holidays, while gaining deeper understanding of the historical and cultural values of the Ancient Capital.

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.

Among more than 100 fine artworks with the theme "Fine Art Works - Collection of Hue Fine Arts Museum" being organized by Hue Fine Arts Museum at 15 Le LoiSt., Hue City, more than half are typical works of famous artists from the ancient capital or once associated with this land.