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.

Although familiar to collectors and enthusiasts of antiques, visitors still cannot help but feel overwhelmed when standing before the artifacts displayed at the exhibition “Jade and Ivory in Religious Art” at the Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Porcelains (114 Mai Thuc Loan Street, Phu Xuan Ward).

Although she has never attended any formal art school, Pham Thi Tuong Vi (born in 1992, living at 37/7 Ung Binh, Vy Da Ward) has mastered the art of “dancing” the brush on the traditional conical hat. With her skillful hands and passion for colors, familiar landscapes of her homeland vividly come to life, giving each hat its own distinctive beauty.

French architectural works in Hue in general, and those located along Le Loi St., in particular, have long been familiar. They are considered the bridges across time, serving as witnesses to the changing face of Hue’s urban landscape through many historical ups and downs.

Beyond distant vacations and familiar destinations, museums have become a favored choice for many parents making to offer their children a relaxing yet enriching space for discovery and learning, fostering a deeper appreciation for culture and history.