Among Hue’s traditional craft villages, the bronze-casting craft in the formerly Phuong Duc Ward (now Thuan Hoa Ward) is renowned for the skill, patience, and dedication of artisans.

The rhythmic clang of hammers rings out from blacksmiths’ forges, the scent of fresh wood fills carpentry workshops, and artisans work with bamboo strips, conical hat frames, needles and thread. Each craft has its own tasks, and each artisan has a personal way of keeping the tradition alive. The resulting products bear the distinctive marks of their craft villages and reflect the diligence and skill of the craftsmen.

In this issue, Hue Today Weekly brings readers in-depth perspectives from experts and experienced writers across the fields of culture, the arts and the heritage economy. It also explores topical issues of public interest, including regulations on caps for service fees at public educational institutions across the city, on green tourism, and how Japan preserves its historic villages. ​

Over the National Day (September 2) holiday, Hue welcomed a large number of visitors from near and far, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. From the Imperial Citadel and heritage sites to scenic spots, craft villages, and community-based tourism destinations, visitors can be seen sightseeing, experiencing local activities, posing for check-in photos, and capturing memorable moments on their journey to discover the Ancient Capital.

Ru Cha mangrove forest stands quietly like a sentinel guarding Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system. Through countless seasons of storms and heavy rains, the ancient Cha trees have remained firmly rooted in the soil, embracing the surrounding villages, blocking waves, trapping sediment, and sustaining the unique ecosystem of the lower reaches of the Perfume River.

It is not even the end of the sixth lunar month, but I have already heard elderly men in my neighborhood enthusiastically asking one another how the upcoming Autumn offering ceremony will be organized at the village communal house, and whether the heads of the clans have made plans to meet yet. It may seem strange that amid the bustle of city life, these elderly men are passionately talking about village affairs. The village communal house is not far away either, just a few dozen meters from my house. “The city also began with villages. Preserving the roots of the village means preserving its culture for future generations. You young people should remember that,” they would tell me whenever I asked.

Preserving traditional crafts is about more than keeping a craft alive; it is about preserving the stories of people, culture, and values passed down through generations. By embracing fresh approaches, those who continue telling these stories are helping traditional craft villages become more relevant to contemporary life while preserving their authentic character.

Traditional culture is now being embraced by young people in new, youthful, engaging and accessible ways through craft village workshop tours. This form of experience is becoming increasingly popular, attracting many young people and tourists who can directly take part in and create traditional handmade products themselves. More importantly, these activities help preserve and spread cultural and historical values while honoring the craftsmanship and dedication of people in traditional villages. ​

With its potential and advantages in natural resources, local culture, traditional craft villages, and agricultural and fishing livelihoods, regional zoning linked with eco-tourism and community-based tourism (CBT) development orientations will help promote sustainable tourism growth in Hue.

Hue is a land that bears the imprint of the southward migration and territorial expansion undertaken more than 700 years ago by the people of ancient Thuan Hoa. Very few documents reveal the timing of these migration waves or the organization and formation of Vietnamese villages in the region. Yet during fieldwork, I gained access to several ancient Han-Nom documents recording the migration, land reclamation, and establishment of villages and communes. Most notably is a cadastral record dating to the 9th year of the Dai Hoa reign (1451) under King Le Nhan Tong, compiled exactly 575 years ago.