Beyond its heritage attractions, Hue is becoming a choice of culinary destination for many travelers. The distinctive local dishes of the former imperial capital are contributing to the formation of a unique appeal for Hue’s tourism.

These days, the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival is already filling the streets. From the skillful hands of craftsmen diligently working on unicorn heads, Earth God masks, and drums… to spectacular unicorn dance performances on competition stages and in welcoming spaces at the Imperial Citadel,… all come together to create a vibrant picture of the Mid-Autumn in the Ancient Capital, preserving the unique cultural beauty and leaving lasting impressions on visitors.

Behind the graceful and fluid movements on stage lie years of rigorous training, injuries, and quiet sacrifices. For Hue dancers, the challenge also lies in embracing contemporary influences while preserving the elegance, solemnity, and refinement that characterize the former imperial capital.

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.

Among about 3,000 dishes documented nationwide, over 1,700 are believed to be prepared in Hue styles, bearing the distinctive hallmarks of the former imperial capital’s cuisine. This rich culinary heritage is one of the key reasons that Hue has chosen gastronomy as the focus of its application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

In the course of researching the cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty in the former Hue imperial capital, researchers often come across precious materials that have been preserved among local families, quietly surviving in the spaces of communal houses, pagodas, ancestral worship halls, or aristocratic residences. Layer upon layer of historical sediment is gradually being brought to light.

If you saw giant freshwater prawns nearly as thick as an adult’s wrist, three of which may weigh a kilogram on average, few of you would guess they were wild-caught from the Bo River. Their firm, succulent flesh, naturally sweet flavor, and rich, golden roe make them truly exceptional. It would come as no surprise if this remarkable prawn earned its place among the signature delicacies of the ancient imperial capital one day.

On the afternoon of June 14th, the Hue’s ‘Heritage Doors’ exhibition opened at Kien Trung Palace in Hue Imperial Citadel, introducing the public to dozens of remarkable artworks inspired by the heritage of the Ancient Capital. The event is part of Hue Festival 2026 and serves as a major artistic highlight attracting art enthusiasts, visitors, and members of the creative community.

Without the need for large-scale promotional campaigns, many young people are turning to social media as their own way to tell stories about Hue. From short videos and everyday imagery to artistic projects, the image of the former imperial capital is gradually reaching the public in a more vivid and relatable way.

Amid the rhythm of modern life, as fashion becomes increasingly diverse and is constantly changing, the traditional ao-dai continues to remain a lasting presence in the lives of women in the former imperial capital. In Hue, the graceful image of women’s association members wearing Ao-dai is not only a symbol of beauty but also a way of preserving and spreading the traditional cultural values of their homeland.