With a vivid imagination and familiar natural materials, artist Nguyen Van Tien, from Kim Long Ward, has created an engaging experiential space through the Tataki-zome handcrafted fabric-dyeing technique.

During their spring outings, beyond visiting heritage sites and familiar attractions, many travelers to Hue have chosen a distinctive way to experience Tet: seeking out traditional craft spaces, personally experiencing hands-on activities, and creating handmade products imbued with the rich cultural identity of Hue Ancient Capital.

In the days leading up to the Tet holiday, as the breath of spring gently weaves through every street, Dong Ba market becomes bustling and radiant. Beyond its role as the city’s largest commercial hub, this century-old market has become a familiar destination for residents and visitors to pose for commemorative photos, capturing spring moments imbued with the distinctive character of Hue.

On the afternoon of February 9, an art exhibition, themed “Celebrating Spring and the Zodiac of the Horse 2026”, was held at Song Huong Magazine (9 Pham Hong Thai). It was organized by Hue Fine Arts Association. This is an annual tradition having become a familiar cultural activity for Hue art community as Tet and Spring arrive.

Growing up from the fields, steeped in rustic flavors of the countryside - “salty fermented vegetables, sour white eggplant”, yet it was not until my late forties that I first heard of mut ca phao (white eggplant preserves) from Hue. The humble eggplant, so familiar on simple family meals, appears here in an entirely unfamiliar form - a delicately beautiful preserves for the Lunar New Year.

In the early mornings, the southern part of Hue City begins with a familiar rhythm: the sound of runners’ footsteps along the coastal road, the crisp tap of shuttlecocks in a commune’s small badminton court, and the cheerful laughter of people practicing wellness fitness exercises. This sporting atmosphere has become an integral part of daily life, helping residents improve their health, strengthen community bonds, and nurture an optimistic spirit.

Familiar literary figures from Hue shared ways to find inspiration for reading with many students during an event organized by Hue City Library.

From familiar cover versions to the aspiration of writing their own songs, young artists in Hue are gradually making their mark with music that carries a modern vibe while preserving their distinctive style.

Once considered “trendy” yet “hard to appreciate”, in recent years, the hobby of collecting artworks has become a familiar passion for many people, especially Hue people, who live in a land rich in culture and art.

On the familiar green chalkboard, under the skillful hands of Ms. Le Thi Loc Phuong, an art teacher from Tu Ha Primary School No. 1 (Huong Tra Ward), the heritage sites of Hue such as Ngu Phung Pavilion, Thien Mu Pagoda’s bell tower, or the graceful curve of Truong Tien Bridge gradually come to life. Each delicate stroke of white and colored chalk transforms the classroom chalkboard into a lively painting, evoking an image of Hue that is both serene and poetic.