Hue is a heritage city, but Hue’s cultural strength does not lie solely in its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, or historic architecture. Behind these tangible forms of heritage lies a vibrant world of music, festivals, beliefs, traditional crafts, cuisine, clothing, and folk knowledge. This is the ‘soul’ that gives Hue its distinctive identity.

Throughout the many decades he has lived and worked both in Vietnam and abroad, Prof. Dr. Bui Duy Tam has always held a special affection for Vietnam’s traditional Ao-dai. To him, Ao-dai is not merely a beautiful garment, but one that embodies the history, identity and self-respect of a nation. On the occasion of his return to Hue and his visit to Quang Trung Primary School - where he sponsored the tailoring of five-panel Ao-dai for nearly 1.500 students, Prof. Dr. Bui Duy Tam spoke with Hue Today Weekly about his aspiration to revive Vietnam’s national dress.

This is one of Hue City's aspirations and strategic directions for destination marketing and communications, as shared at a 2026 networking program for Multi-Channel Network (MCN) companies, content creator management agencies, and KOLs. Organized by Hue City People's Committee on the afternoon of August 14 under the theme ‘Converging Excellence - Spreading Hue's Identity’, the event was attended by Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Member of Hue City Party Committee and Vice Chairman of Hue City People's Committee.

As Da Nang rises to become a premier tourism destination with increasingly diverse and distinctive experiences, cultural events, festivals and community activities play an important role in creating the city’s unique appeal. Along this journey, HEINEKEN Vietnam and its Larue brand have consistently been active partners, contributing to the celebration of local identity, spreading pride in Da Nang and supporting the growth of the local tourism economy.

Beyond a celebration of Hue Beef Noodle, the iconic dish of the Ancient Capital, the Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program has become a vibrant showcase of culinary excellence from across Vietnam. From Hue’s traditional flavors to regional specialties from every corner of the country, each food stall and every dish tells a story of Vietnam’s rich cultural identity, taking visitors on a journey that awakens all their senses.

After nearly a decade of sustained cooperation with Kanto International Senior High School in Tokyo, Japan, Hai Ba Trung High School in Hue City has developed a meaningful model of international exchange. Through classroom lessons, experiential activities, charity programmes and homestays in Japan, students from both countries have not only deepened their understanding of each other’s cultures but also broadened their intercultural awareness, strengthened their appreciation of cultural identity and fostered friendship between Vietnam and Japan.

“Books and Ao Dai - Nurturing Intellect and Honoring Vietnamese Identity” was the theme of an exhibition held by the City Library on the morning of July 9 at No. 29A Le Quy Don St. (Thuan Hoa Ward).

On June 27, at the Ethnic Cultural House of Khe Tre Commune (208 Khe Tre Street), the People's Committee of Khe Tre Commune organized the Khe Tre Highland Market - Second session of 2026, themed “Agricultural Products Market”. The event aims to showcase local products, promote the consumption of agricultural products, and introduce the highland cultural identity to people and visitors.

Cultural industries, based on knowledge, creativity, identity, and technology, are emerging as one of the key growth drivers for many nations. In this context, placing culture at the center of development strategy - as expressed in the spirit of Resolution 80-NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026, of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture - is not merely a political orientation but an inevitable imperative of the era. ​

More than just souvenir products, many heritage sites in Hue are being “refreshed” with products that showcase the distinctive cultural identity of the imperial court.