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.

“Half of the Vietnamese are in Hue” - a playful remark that has become a vivid expression of the strong appeal of tourism in the land of Huong River and Mount Ngu these days. Crowds are flocking to relic sites, pagodas, royal mausoleums, and eateries during the holidays, making the Ancient Capital more vibrant and lively.

On the shady Le Duan street, there is a small handicraft workshop resounding daily with the whir of grinders and the buzz of cutting machines. There, coconut shells once thought to be discarded are adorned with shimmering mother-of-pearl, transformed into souvenirs imbued with the essence of Hue.

On the afternoon of January 29, Song Huong Magazine launched the “Song Huong - The convergence festival” literary essay contest - 2026, aiming to spread the image of Hue during its new stage of development and seek out valuable literary works about the land and people of the Ancient Capital.

When people think of Hue, many envision a serene land “steeped” in Buddhism with hundreds of temples and pagodas. Amid the bustling rhythm of a modern Hue, life behind each pagoda gate is far from dull, but it is a refined embodiment of spiritual beauty that deeply enriches the inner world of many residents of the Ancient Capital. Here, every scene, every space, every presence expressed a quiet, profound stillness, like a sutra in motion.

Hue Ancient Capital is a paradise for vegetarian cuisine. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, even restaurants that usually serve meat often switch entirely to vegetarian dishes. This is hardly surprising, given that Hue is one of Vietnam’s major Buddhist centers, a land steeped in spiritual traditions, where eating vegetarian food has become a beautiful cultural feature.

Hue, the former ancient capital, is a land with a resilient tradition of resistance against foreign invasion. Its peaceful rural outskirts, home to hardworking and loyal people, have produced many talented individuals and renowned historical figures.

“Each journalist chooses their own path to delve deep into the field of words. I’m fortunate to be born and work as a journalist right in the sacred land of Hue Ancient Capital, a place rich in cultural values. Although Hue’s literary heritage is “tranquil and moss-covered”, to me, it is always captivating”.

Phuoc Tich is an ancient village located in Phong Hoa Ward, Phong Dien Town, Hue City. The village was established in 1470. Though small, Phuoc Tich boasts 12 river wharfs, symbolizing the 12 founding families who first settled the land. Along with the founding of the village, migrants from Đàng Ngoài (Outer Realm) who came to this land to make a living also brought with them the traditional craft of pottery.

As part of the plan to organize the National Tourism Year and Hue Festival 2025, the spring festival - “Spring of the Ancient Capital” has many unique programs and activities. Not only are there festival activities in the city center, but in the land on the majestic Truong Son mountain range, the “Spring Colors of A Luoi Highlands” festival would create more highlights and impressions for visitors to Hue this March.