Ask the people of Hue what flower they love most, and most will likely answer: the apricot blossom. To put it more formally, “hoang mai” - yellow apricot, without a doubt. Don’t believe it? Come to Hue and see for yourself! There’s a whole movement called “Yellow apricot blossom in front of the entrance”; a completed research project on “Conservation and development of Hue’s yellow apricot variety (Hue’s Hoang mai)”; a scientific conference on developing Hue’s Hoang mai into a key local product, aimed at successfully realizing the project to build Thua Thien Hue province (now Hue City) into Vietnam’s yellow apricot homeland. My friend, journalist Minh Tu, even published a book called “In front of the house stands a yellow apricot tree”, which sold out instantly, was reprinted, and translated into foreign languages to great acclaim.

In the early days of spring, Ngo Thanh Minh, a photography artist, was engrossed in wandering the streets of the city, taking photos of yellow apricot blossoms. The beauty of the land and people of Hue has long been an endless source of creative inspiration for him - an artist who has a “predestined affinity” with major awards.

Hue garden houses always carry a distinct charm, blending aristocratic elegance with traditional colors. With green and peaceful spaces of ‘tea’ (Acalypha evrardii) hedges, tiny yards, decorative guarding screens, as well as the yellow apricot blossom trees, and lovely persimmon plants in front of the house, etc. Hue garden houses reflect a slow-paced lifestyle that is close to nature and values the long-standing cultural values of Hue locals.

On the afternoon of January 19th, the third annual Hue Yellow Apricot Festival - Masterpieces of Spring 2025 - was commenced at Thuong Bac Park (Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Xuan District). This festival is dedicated to honoring Hue's signature flower, the Yellow Apricot Blossom.