Hue becoming a centrally-governed municipality not only presents an opportunity for urban transformation, but also contributes to the comprehensive development of its economy and society, ensuring better implementation of the task of preserving and promoting Hue's heritage values ​​and cultural identity. However, alongside these opportunities, there are intertwined challenges that force Hue to have strategies, development mechanisms and continuous innovation.

"I want each of my works not only to be beautiful but also to tell a story about Co Tu people, their life, their beliefs and their traditional values left behind by their ancestors,” said Pham Van Ve, a 26-year-old man with a passion for portraying his ethnic identity through wood carving.

Drawing from nearly 720 years of Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan's heritage, Hue boasts a treasure trove of culinary excellence, offering a competitive advantage for tourism in the ancient capital. Becoming a centrally governed municipality brings Hue new opportunities, and alongside its fresh, vibrant identity, people will think of Hue as a culinary city where quintessence converges.

“Aside from the theme of Hue's cultural heritage, what impresses and moves me most while creating artistic photographs in this land is its people. Hue's people are simple, rustic, and have their identity,” shared photographer Hoang Quoc Vinh (born in 1986, Gia Lai), who was recently honored with an award for the outstanding artistic work about Hue for his photo collection “ Complex of Hue Monuments”, in an interview with Thua Thien Hue Weekly.

Every year, after the harvest and when people's lives are stable, the Co Tu ethnic group in A Luoi district joyfully prepares for the Tac Ka Coong festival, a sacred and special traditional festival. This is not only an occasion for the Co Tu people to express gratitude to nature and the gods but also an opportunity for the community to unite and affirm their cultural identity.

Just about 30 kilometers away, Quang Loi Lagoon is not far from the center of Hue City. It's located in Quang Loi Commune, Quang Dien District - a low-lying area rich in cultural identity. Covering approximately 800 hectares, the lagoon is part of the Tam Giang lagoon system. Following the flow of the waters, the lives of the people here are closely tied to the water as they engage in simple and humble fishing activities.

Hue has many outstanding fields to join UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This not only promotes local cultural identity to the world but also provides an opportunity to attract tourists and investors to Hue. However, choosing which field to highlight the uniqueness of Hue when participating in UCCN is something that needs careful consideration.

Throughout the S-shaped strip of the land of Vietnam, Ao dai can be found in every region. Specifically, in Hue, Ao dai has become a part of the cultural identity and unique beauty of the people here. An important milestone in Hue Ao dai costume was in 1744, after Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat ascended the throne in Phu Xuan, he promulgated many policies and mentioned the modification of costumes. Thereafter, during the Nguyen Dynasty, the court issued an order, creating an opportunity for Hue women in particular and Vietnamese women in general to wear Ao dai regularly. Accordingly, the tradition of wearing Ao dai gradually entered the daily life of people.

Hue City is undergoing significant transformations, emerging with a new urban identity as a centrally-governed city.

“I study garden houses as a connection between Vietnamese art and culture and a deep connection with the land and spirit of Hue. Hidden cultural features still thrive in the values and identity of Hue today,” said Professor and Landscape Architect Kimberlee Stryker (University of California, Berkeley) in her “Listening to the Gardens of Hue, Vietnam” 25 years ago.

The way of tourism of A Luoi people is attracting many tourists who are passionate about cultural experiences to this highland.