On December 4th, Standing Member of the City Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh held a meeting with Mr. Eric Soulier, the newly appointed Cultural Counsellor of French Embassy and Director of French Institute in Vietnam (Institut français du Vietnam - IFV).

The melancholic sound of the khen flute drifts through the mist along the mountain slopes, whispering in harmony with the babbling streams and the rhythmic clatter of looms, creating a mystical melody that captivates travelers. The village of A Luoi today bustles with visitors from afar, as the local people have learned to leverage their cultural identity for tourism. Behind these transformations are the tireless footsteps of a Pa Co woman who loves her homeland - That is Ms. Le Thi Them, the former Head of the Culture and Information Department of the former A Luoi District, now the Head of the Party Building Committee of A Luoi 1 Commune.

For over two decades devoted to mother-of-pearl inlay work, Phan Tan Dat, born 1992, has transformed seashells into shimmering masterpieces on horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, guarding screens... preserving the complete ancient soul of Hue.

Amid moss-covered rooftops and the quiet waters of the Huong River, or wandering up Thien An Hill, Vong Canh Hill, and into the tombs of the Nguyen emperors… a young woman with the nickname Hoang Trinh Phan has made a significant presence across social media platforms, sharing stories about heritage. Her “heritage storytelling” page has attracted thousands of viewers and followers, not only for her charm but also for the wealth of essential knowledge about cultural heritage that she brings to the public and the community.

Together with the Huong River - Ngu Mountain, the conical hat and the purple ao dai of Hue Women are also a symbolic cultural combo that is deeply connected with the locals in the Ancient Capital. And the poet Bui Giang once “fell in love”: The poetic conical hat / Taking you to Hue City / Sunshine pierces the rim / Revealing the soul of homeland in poetry… (Taking you to the city).

Hue is taking steps to build a model of sustainable development, where the economic growth does not come at the expense of the cultural identity. In the modern life the city still maintains its soul, considering the green fund the foundation for a future of harmony and distinction.

The lush lawns and shaded canopies of ancient trees in the Imperial Citadel, Co Ha Garden, or Thieu Phuong Garden are not naturally self-sustained. Behind that serene beauty lies the quiet dedication of dozens of workers who care daily for every tree and flowerbed, helping preserve the “green soul” of Hue’s heritage.

After more than two months of dedicated creation, ceramic artworks by artists and sculptors have allowed viewers to appreciate the immortal beauty of President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, soul, life, and career.

“The beaches in Hue are well-known as some of the most interesting destinations that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the ancient capital. Their beauty can be summed up in three words: “fascinating the soul”.

The 8th Literature and Arts Criticism Writing Workshop, organized by Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, takes place from June 16th to 20th.