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.

Already a familiar face among startup CEOs in Hue, this time I met with Ngo Duc Vuong - Director of Hue One Food Company, whose flagship product has been dubbed “Hue Pizza” - the Thuan An pressed rice cake. We chatted over coffee in Grand Prairie, Texas, as he continued his mission of spreading the story of Hue’s entrepreneurial journey through the pressed rice cake and promoting Hue culture in the U.S market.

The image of people jogging daily on the streets and alleys of Hue has become familiar. From this widespread grassroots movement, Hue has become a destination for national-level running events.

"Having visited dreamy Hue a few times, I cherish a gentle love for it"(*) – these familiar lyrics resonate deeply with me. My first visit to Hue was as a university student, and over the years, I have returned many times.