“Dear everyone! Let's join hands to make Hue clean and beautiful again soon!” - I paused for a long moment in front of that message - a message sent out by HEPCO (Hue Urban Environment and Public Works Joint Stock Company) just as the floodwaters in Hue slowly, little by little, receded, revealing massive amounts of trash and damaged items submerged in the murky water.

Stumbled upon the technique of indigo dyeing online by chance, like a twist of fate, a young couple, Dang Cong Bang (1996) and Pham Minh Nguyen (1997), were captivated by this age-old craft. They began exploring and experimenting, eventually creating their very first indigo-dyed pieces. This marked the beginning of Tiem Chi, a small studio the couple established with the hope of introducing others to handmade clothing and fashion items that they personally design and dye using the distinctive blue of indigo.

“Up to now, nearly 200 works and items within the Complex of Hue Monuments have been preserved, restored, and renovated, with a total expense of over 2.000 billion VND. This work has always strictly complied with the regulations of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, UNESCO guidelines, and the Law on Cultural Heritage of Vietnam, ensuring authenticity, integrity, and adaptability to the harsh climate conditions of the Central region of Vietnam, etc.,”. These details were shared by Hue Monuments Conservation Center to Mr. Lazare Eloundou, Director of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Center during his visit and working trip in Vietnam at the end of May.

In 2024, Thua Thien Hue General Library digitized 25,610 pages of Han-Nom documents (Sino-Vietnamese Demotic), equivalent to 584 document items. This digitization effort was focused on the two districts of Phong Dien and Quang Dien.

A tea tray, a smoking pipe, and a set of Chinese books donated by Emperor Ham Nghi’s descendants have been officially gifted to Hue and Quang Trị. These items were handed over by the Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to representatives of Hue Monuments Conservation Center and the People’s Committee of Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province.

Most public investment projects in the locality witness the acceleration of the construction progress of necessary items before the rainy season. This is an important factor to ensure the progress of disbursement procedures in the coming time.

Hue Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC) is managing eight items/sets of items that have been recognized as national treasures by the Prime Minister. The presence of these treasures not only enhances the appeal of the destination but also offers a chance for these valuable artifacts to "come alive" in contemporary life.

The artifacts selected for identification are representative items typical of the Nguyen Dynasty's royalty and officials, such as the golden throne, palanquins, ceremonial shoes (things used in daily life and rituals), gold and jade branches (interior decorations), and the Xam Huong set (a recreational activity). This initiative marks the beginning of applying technology to preserve and promote the cultural heritage values preserved in Thua Thien Hue.

Setting aside the phones and signing up for experiences in crafting their favourite handmade items has become a new trend among the young generation, earning the “pleasure” of parents and providing relaxing moments for their whole family.

Life is getting more and more modern and bustling; many people tend to collect old and unique items to decorate their housing, and since then the decor trend has found its way into life.