Thanks to the application of artificial intelligence (AI), many of Hue’s heritage values are being retold by young people in an entirely new “language”. Historic structures and symbolic cultural icons, long associated with an atmosphere of antiquity and quiet elegance, are now being brought to life through digital creations, contributing to taking Hue Ancient Capital’s image closer to young audiences.

The short film ‘Trong Thuc’ (‘The Drumbeat of Awakening’) is a project created by a team of students in Hue. By approaching tuong through the language of cinema, these young people are exploring new approaches to preserving and spreading cultural heritage.

Premiering in August 2025 and surpassing 700 billion VND in box office revenue, the film “Red Rain” (“Mua Do”) created an unprecedented box office phenomenon for a Vietnamese political and historical film. What few people know is that the person behind the film's music, touching the hearts of millions of viewers, is musician Cao Dinh Thang - a young man born and raised in Hue.

In the familiar space of schools, tuong - a traditional stage art form once thought to be “hard to approach” for young people - is being brought to life through hands-on experiences. Through makeup sessions, lessons, and opportunities to explore and feel the values of tuong firsthand, this approach is helping younger generations grow closer to cultural heritage and creating new ways to incorporate traditional culture into schools.

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. ​

At dawn, the coastal area of Vinh Loc Commune was already bustling with activity. On the sandy shore, groups of fishermen busily prepared for the first drag-net haul of the day. Boats returning after a night of fishing hurried back to shore. Amid this energetic rhythm of labor, many young people came to directly experience the lives of fishermen in the coastal fishing village.

More than 3 years after the passing of folk artisan Cong Ton Nu Tri Hue, the one who kept the secret techniques of making royal armrest pillows of the Nguyen Dynasty, also known as the “trai dua” (armrest pillow-blocks), an exhibition dedicated to her titled “Wholeheartedly, with devotion” has been organized by young people.

Traditional culture is no longer unfamiliar to young people as the student group “Gen Z Ke Su” (Gen Z Tells History) from the Communication Technology major at FPT University Da Nang launched a media project titled “Co Vat Cung Dinh” (Royal Antiquities). The project uses modern technology applications to tell traditional stories.

Young people in Hue Ancient Capital are tracing back through time to visit historic ‘red sites’, carrying forward the story of patriotism in the language of the digital generation.

On the occasion of April 30 - May 1 holidays marking Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day, young people in Hue and tourists are drawn to vibrant check-in spots decked out with the colors of the red flag with yellow star, vintage coffee shops, and heritage-rich spaces steeped in local identity. Beyond an opportunity for “checking-in”, these destinations offer a chance for the young to find balance, recharge, and enjoy the holiday in a way that is both reflective and vividly expressive.