Hue is a heritage city, but Hue’s cultural strength does not lie solely in its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, or historic architecture. Behind these tangible forms of heritage lies a vibrant world of music, festivals, beliefs, traditional crafts, cuisine, clothing, and folk knowledge. This is the ‘soul’ that gives Hue its distinctive identity.

After decades spent living almost solely in the memories of elderly artisans, Hue traditional musical notation system - the notation system tied to royal court music (Nha nhac) - is being revived and gradually digitized.

On the morning of July 31, at the Southern Women’s Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the Tran Van Khe Scholarship Foundation held the announcement and award presentation ceremony for the 2026 Tran Van Khe Awards. Notably, the Hue Royal Traditional Arts Theatre was one of only two organizations honored in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the preservation, research, and promotion of Vietnam’s traditional music.

Visitors at the Hue Singing Performance Space on Le Loi Street in Hue recently enjoyed an unexpected musical experience as the powerful rhythms of the West African Djembe blended with the familiar melodies of Hue Singing. Bringing this distinctive sound to the former imperial city was Michael Schmidt Kanté, a French musician who has spent years traveling across continents to study and perform traditional music.

On the morning of June 5th, at Duyet Thi Duong Theater in Hue Imperial Citadel, Hue Monuments Conservation Center organized an experimental performance program titled “Practicing Huế music notation and the interpretation method,” drawing the attention of researchers, artisans, and lovers of traditional music.

In the mid-20th century, the establishment of multiple music publishing houses positioned Hue as a vital hub of Vietnamese music. As the former imperial capital, the city was both a magnet for prominent composers and a pioneering cradle that shaped the professional contours of Vietnam’s modern and traditional music through its distinguished publishing system.

The Union of Science and Technology Associations of the city has just released the book: "Promoting the value of traditional Hue music in cultural and tourism development". The book, 300 pages long, is published by Thuan Hoa Publishing House.

To the melodies blending traditional and modern tones, hundreds of models showcased ao dai collections in the ancient space of An Dinh Palace. Guests from home and abroad, along with Hue locals, were treated to an “art feast” that fused fashion, music, and heritage.

Hue traditional music is a unique cultural heritage. In the face of rapid technological development and shifting public tastes, efforts to preserve and promote the value of this heritage are facing numerous challenges. In this context, Blockchain has emerged as a pioneering solution, helping to preserve and promote Hue traditional music sustainably and creatively.

According to the information released on March 6 by Hue Academy of Music, Akatsuki music band from Japan will hold a traditional concert with the theme “Echoes of Culture” on the night of March 8 at Song Huong Theater (No.1 Le Loi St., Thuan Hoa District).