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.

Beyond visiting heritage sites, enjoying local cuisine and exploring traditional crafts, residents and visitors to Hue now have more interactive and creative ways to experience the city. From getting acquainted with the handpan and making wagashi by hand to painting and crafting, … small-scale workshops are adding new ‘colors’ to the life experiences in the Ancient 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.

For nearly three decades devoted to shards of pottery and porcelain, artisan Dao Huu Khien has remained steadfast in his meticulousness, patience, and passion for the craft.

During their spring outings, beyond visiting heritage sites and familiar attractions, many travelers to Hue have chosen a distinctive way to experience Tet: seeking out traditional craft spaces, personally experiencing hands-on activities, and creating handmade products imbued with the rich cultural identity of Hue Ancient Capital.

Born in Hue - a place where traditional crafts are deeply intertwined with spiritual life, Tran Phuoc Hoang (28 years old) chose to dedicate himself to the craft of carving ancestral tablets. After nearly 10 years in the craft, he has quietly preserved traditional values through every product meticulously created with his passion.

Going through many generations, the traditional drum-making craft of the Co Tu people has gradually faded, remaining only in the memories of a few elders. In Doi Village, Khe Tre Commune, artisan and village elder Vuong Van Cua is one of the last people still preserving the ancient secrets of making traditional Co Tu drums.

Phuoc Tich is an ancient village located in Phong Hoa Ward, Phong Dien Town, Hue City. The village was established in 1470. Though small, Phuoc Tich boasts 12 river wharfs, symbolizing the 12 founding families who first settled the land. Along with the founding of the village, migrants from Đàng Ngoài (Outer Realm) who came to this land to make a living also brought with them the traditional craft of pottery.

Without fanfare or grand stages, artists, artisans, and skilled craftspeople are quietly passing on and preserving traditional crafts in the ancient capital. They are the “extended arms” for the journey of preserving intangible cultural heritage and Hue’s historical monuments.

Thua Thien Hue has preserved many craft villages and handed down many unique traditional crafts. With abundant cultural tourism resources and natural tourism assets, it can combine them with craft and traditional village tourism. This provides a foundation for the Ancient Capital to develop a tourism model that complements its strengths in cultural and heritage tourism.