Many valuable archival materials of the Nguyen Dynasty, as well as Hue’s historic structures and rituals, remain scattered across museums, archival centers, and private collections abroad. Through international cooperation and connections with researchers and cultural organizations, Hue is working to bring these archival resources home to support the restoration, conservation, and reconstruction of its heritage.

On the Lantern Festival (the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month) more than 15 years ago, the most “pure Hue native” friend I know, architect Nguyen Trong Huan, and I put on thin raincoats and walked together through the light, drifting drizzle to search for Hue’s culinary specialties. Having lived in this city for many years, Huan still longed for the flavors he once tasted.

On the afternoon of May 30, Hue Central Hospital announced that it had successfully discharged its 16th cross-country heart transplant patient, notably, the first female patient to receive a cross-country heart transplant at the facility.