From unicorn heads made for performances, Hue artisans have created smaller versions to meet the demand for decoration and souvenirs.

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.

Early in the morning, in a three-bay house filled with sea air in Phuong Loc Village (Phu Vinh Commune), 73-year-old Tran Van Than, surrounded by bamboo baskets, miniature boats, and coracles, was moving his hands skillfully with thin bamboo strips. Having spent decades making a living from the sea, though his health no longer allows him to work at sea, his deep affection for his hometown’s sea lives on through every product he makes.

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.

Hue is a heritage city, but Hue’s cultural strength does not lie solely in its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, or historic architecture. Behind these tangible forms of heritage lies a vibrant world of music, festivals, beliefs, traditional crafts, cuisine, clothing, and folk knowledge. This is the ‘soul’ that gives Hue its distinctive identity.

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.

The exhibition ‘Golden Heritage – A Convergence of Excellence’ is being held at Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, showcasing more than 100 valuable artifacts and sets of artifacts crafted during the Nguyen Dynasty. Each object tells a vivid story of history, fine arts, and the royal life.

Preserving traditional crafts is about more than keeping a craft alive; it is about preserving the stories of people, culture, and values passed down through generations. By embracing fresh approaches, those who continue telling these stories are helping traditional craft villages become more relevant to contemporary life while preserving their authentic character.

As a refined blend of beverage enjoyment and hands-on craft activities, workshop cafés have become a popular choice among young people in Hue.

The exhibition and demonstration of traditional crafts, held at the Ethnic Cultural Center of A Luoi 2 Commune, offered visitors vivid and authentic cultural experiences.

With over 300 different variations of designs, Nerikiri requires creativity, meticulousness, and skillful craftsmanship from the confectioner.