On a pure morning, I bumped into groups of visitors strolling along the path leading into Hue Imperial Citadel. Cradling her camera in both hands, Ms. Marie, a French tourist, asked the guide in a gentle voice: “May I… try on Vietnam’s traditional costume?”. That question seemed to open an unexpected journey for them, an experience that felt as if they could touch the ancient soul of Hue

Within the tranquil setting of Hue Imperial Citadel, the melodies of nha nhac (Royal Court Music) resonate slowly and steadily. This enduring musical flow quietly carries echoes of the past, along with the steadfast efforts of those who dedicate themselves each day to preserving the heritage.

On the morning of February 11 (December 24th in the Year of the Snake), at the courtyard of the Thai Hoa Palace (Hue Imperial Citadel), the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre organized a reenactment of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Imperial New Year court ceremony. The event attracted large numbers of local residents and visitors, helping to recreate the traditional Lunar New Year atmosphere within the historic royal court setting.

On the evening of February 11 (the 24th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake), in the shimmering garden setting of the Royal Treasury Palace, Hue Imperial Citadel, Hue Monuments Conservation Center organized the “Royal Tet” program, opening a spring celebration space rich in ancient royal tradition. Being held over two nights, February 11 and 12, the program attracted a large number of locals and visitors.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse, when streets are awash in the golden hues of apricot blossoms, young people once again eagerly enter the season of photo hunting. From the Imperial Citadel, ancient pagodas, and Dong Ba Market to cafes decorated in spring colors, every street corner and every space become a backdrop for capturing beautiful moments. Tet photos not only mark the transition between the old year and the new, but also reflect the vibrant, youthful rhythm of life in the heart of the Ancient Capital.

The heritage space of Hue’s Imperial Citadel is being retold in a new language, the language of technology. At the Royal Treasury Palace, stories of the past are no longer meant solely to be observed, but also to be touched, listened, and experienced, opening up a gentle, emotionally resonant way of engaging with the heritage of Hue Ancient Capital.

Amid the rhythm of life in Hue, Ca Dao Dance Troupe stands as one of the few collectives that have steadfastly pursued a professional path in dance, contributing to the enrichment of Hue Imperial Citadel’s contemporary artistic life. Leading the Ca Dao Dance Troupe for over 11 years is Ms. Dang Nu Hoang Quyen (born in 1980), a choreographer who also serves as a lecturer in the Faculty of Political Theory at the University of Sciences, Hue University.

On the morning of January 1st, in the warm sunshine on the first morning of the new year, the area around Ngo Mon Gate of Hue Imperial Citadel became lively as the Nguyen Dynasty Ban Soc ceremony was reenacted in a theatricalized format, officially opening Hue Festival 2026. The event also marked the first festival of the year, attracting a large number of local residents and visitors.

On the evening of December 21, as part of the closing event of the National Tourism Year - Hue 2025, Ngo Mon Square - Hue Imperial Citadel transformed into a “high-energy hotspot” of music as the Mega Booming Day 2 attracted thousands of spectators and young people, who immersed themselves in the enthusiastic atmosphere of Hue Mega Concert.

On the morning of December 19, at Duyet Thi Duong - Hue Imperial Citadel, Hue Monuments of Conservation Center, in collaboration with Hue International Forum (HIF), hosted the 4th Hue International Forum in 2025 under the theme “Accompanying Comprehensive Development - Building a Sustainable Future”.