After decades spent living almost solely in the memories of elderly artisans, Hue traditional musical notation system - the notation system tied to royal court music (Nha nhac) - is being revived and gradually digitized.

As the clear, pure notes of the flute rang out after meticulous carving and tuning, a bright smile lit up Mr. Nguyen Van Tam’s face. Devoting over a decade to simple bamboo pipes, the young craftsman, born in 1993, with his deft hands and sharp ear has quietly "awakened" the sounds of traditional musical instruments, steadfastly preserving a heritage craft amid modern life.

Beyond a celebration of Hue Beef Noodle, the iconic dish of the Ancient Capital, the Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program has become a vibrant showcase of culinary excellence from across Vietnam. From Hue’s traditional flavors to regional specialties from every corner of the country, each food stall and every dish tells a story of Vietnam’s rich cultural identity, taking visitors on a journey that awakens all their senses.

As numerous strategic infrastructure projects and new development corridors gradually take shape, Hue is gaining additional room to expand its urban space and advance its maritime economy, logistics sector, and service industries.

The short film ‘Trong Thuc’ (‘The Drumbeat of Awakening’) is a project created by a team of students in Hue. By approaching tuong through the language of cinema, these young people are exploring new approaches to preserving and spreading cultural heritage.

On the morning of May 29, the Department of Tourism announced that Hue Lotus Festival 2026 will take place from June 19 to 21 under the theme “Ngu lien thuc thuy” (Royal Lotus Awakens the Water). Featuring a wide range of cultural, artistic, and culinary activities as part of Hue Festival 2026, the event is expected to become a vibrant summer attraction for both residents and visitors.

From May 29 to 31, the Bao Vinh pedestrian street in Hoa Chau Ward will be transformed into a vibrant community cultural space through the “Childhood Memories in the Heart of the Ancient Town” Festival - an event that combines heritage preservation, community tourism development, and in response to the Action Month for Children 2026.

On the evening of April 25, the art program “Enchanting Imperial Palace” will officially open at Hue Imperial Citadel. Combining royal court art with modern technology, the program promises to offer visitors a fresh and immersive experience. At the same time, it serves as an important pilot step in developing a night-time economy linked to heritage.

The excited chatter of children in the corner of the house does not make Mrs Ton Nu Minh Trang miss a beat as she gently shakes the tray of cakes. She smiles knowingly: “They’ll break everything if they rush around! Making phuc linh cakes can’t be hurried or done carelessly!”

On the afternoon of February 19, at Keiser University (28 Nguyen Tri Phuong), a non-profit community event themed “Spring Awakening of Dreams: The Journey of Hue people to the World's Top 1% Universities” took place in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. The program gathered notable figures from Hue, who conquered the world's top prestigious universities, returning to engage in direct dialogue with the younger generation in their hometown.