Within the cultural complex of Hue, if the system of palaces and royal tombs defines the face of an Imperial capital, the villages along the lagoon and coastline preserve the depth of community life. There, heritage does not lie dormant in the past but lives on in every festival season, every daily custom, and every belief tied to the natural environment. The Cau Ngu Festival of Thai Duong village, held once every three years in January at the Thuan An seaport, is precisely such a heritage - a vibrant cultural practice where community memory, maritime knowledge, and the will to survive have woven together into an enduring whole across hundreds of years.

In Bao Vinh Old Town, Ms. Tran Thi Minh Phung still carefully holds her brush each day to paint on glass, just as her family has done for generations. As most of the artisans from the old days have nearly disappeared, the hands of this woman in her fifties have become a place where a craft once closely associated with the royal art of Hue is being preserved.

On the morning of February 23 (the 7th day of the Lunar January), at Trieu Mieu and The Mieu - Hue Imperial Citadel, Hue Monuments of Conservation Center held the ceremony to lower the traditional New Year Neu pole and open the New Year seal in a solemn atmosphere, marking the close of Tet holiday and the start of the new working year in accordance with former royal court rituals.

After moments of family reunion and New Year greetings to grandparents and parents, many local residents and visitors have chosen Hue Imperial Citadel as their destination for early spring outings, immersing themselves in a Tet atmosphere rich in cultural depth.

Young designer Linda Hoang (born Hoang Kim Ngoc Uyen Nhi in 1992 in Hue City) is transforming the traditional ao dai by bringing dragon-horse patterns and royal court motifs to linen garments and modern fashion. ​

Within the tranquil setting of Hue Imperial Citadel, the melodies of nha nhac (Royal Court Music) resonate slowly and steadily. This enduring musical flow quietly carries echoes of the past, along with the steadfast efforts of those who dedicate themselves each day to preserving the heritage.

On the morning of February 11 (December 24th in the Year of the Snake), at the courtyard of the Thai Hoa Palace (Hue Imperial Citadel), the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre organized a reenactment of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Imperial New Year court ceremony. The event attracted large numbers of local residents and visitors, helping to recreate the traditional Lunar New Year atmosphere within the historic royal court setting.

On the evening of February 11 (the 24th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake), in the shimmering garden setting of the Royal Treasury Palace, Hue Imperial Citadel, Hue Monuments Conservation Center organized the “Royal Tet” program, opening a spring celebration space rich in ancient royal tradition. Being held over two nights, February 11 and 12, the program attracted a large number of locals and visitors.

On the morning of February 10th (the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month of the Year of the Snake), under fine weather conditions, Hue Monuments Conservation Center reenacted the ceremony of setting up Neu pole (Thuong Tieu ceremony) in strict accordance with royal court rituals of the Nguyen Dynasty. The activity was part of Hue Festival 2026, attracting large numbers of locals and visitors to observe and experience the event, recreating the atmosphere of the traditional Tet holiday in the former Royal Palace.

On the morning of February 5, at the Secret Affairs Institute - Tam Toa Complex (No. 33 Tong Duy Tan Street, Phu Xuan Ward), Hue Monuments Conservation Center officially opened a thematic exhibition titled “Horses and the Long Ma in Nguyen Dynasty Royal Culture” (Long Ma: dragon-horse), offering the public a culturally rich and profound exhibition space in the early days of Lunar New Year.

At Duyet Thi Duong Theater - Hue Imperial Citadel, a unique space has just been introduced to the public and visitors, which is Hue tuong mask exhibition space.

Combining tea making with tea tasting, the colors and fragrances of the ingredients will awaken the senses, bringing an attractive and interesting drink for tourists.