More than just creating a space to promote and support craft villages on-site and bring Hue’s specialties farther afield, the young founders of Dac san Kinh Do – Songcentre Hue (Imperial Specialties – Hue Living Center) brand also embed a story in each product and apply technology to production, with the aspiration to fulfill the mission of inheriting and renewing traditional crafts so that Hue’s craft village brands can take off and expand their markets.

Without fanfare or grand stages, artists, artisans, and skilled craftspeople are quietly passing on and preserving traditional crafts in the ancient capital. They are the “extended arms” for the journey of preserving intangible cultural heritage and Hue’s historical monuments.

Thousands of unique works of bonsais, orchids, and artistic ornamental stones, along with the finest crafts and traditional cultural beauty have gathered at Hue Imperial Citadel, creating a vibrant exhibition space in the heart of the heritage site.

The majestic and magnificent Thai Hoa Palace (in the Imperial City) has been given a “new coat,” leaving those who witness it are not only overwhelmed but also in awe of the craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to the restoration work over the past three years.

On December 12, the People’s Committee of Hue City held a ceremony to award prizes and open the exhibition of the photo contest “Hue Traditional Crafts - the Lifeblood of Heritage” 2024.

Thua Thien Hue has preserved many craft villages and handed down many unique traditional crafts. With abundant cultural tourism resources and natural tourism assets, it can combine them with craft and traditional village tourism. This provides a foundation for the Ancient Capital to develop a tourism model that complements its strengths in cultural and heritage tourism.

In Doi village (Thuong Lo Commune, Nam Dong District), there is a special man who quietly and diligently preserves and promotes the traditional values of the Cơ Tu ethnic group. This man is Pơloong Chướch, a senior artisan who has dedicated his entire life to the craft of weaving.

“Vang son ky my – the essence of Vietnamese craftsmanship” is something that photographer Nguyen Phong is particularly passionate about as he introduced to Thua Thien Hue Weekly a series of photos showcasing “the golden hands” of artisans perfecting the process of applying gold leaf and lacquer to the columns of Thai Hoa Palace.

The People's Committee of Hue City has recently launched a photo contest themed “Hue Traditional Crafts - Source of Heritage” 2024.

Hoang Linh, a passionate epoxy resin enthusiast, not only crafts stunning handmade products but also makes charming bracelets made from dried flowers and leaves.