At Vietnam - Japan Local Cooperation Forum 2026, the thematic session ‘From Heritage Conservation to Cultural Industries: Unlocking Potential and Connecting Opportunities for Local Cooperation’ highlighted how heritage is increasingly being seen as a resource for development when connected with communities, technology, tourism and cultural industries.

Rather than focusing on sheer visitor numbers, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center is shifting its service strategy at the Imperial City and other heritage sites toward product selectivity and enhanced visitor experiences, to attract high-spending tourists.

On August 19 and September 2, Vietnamese citizens will be granted free admission to heritage sites managed by Hue Monuments Conservation Center. The initiative offers an opportunity for visitors to explore Hue’s heritage during the public holidays, while gaining deeper understanding of the historical and cultural values of the Ancient Capital.

The Government’s issuance of Decree No. 282/2026/ND-CP on July 14th, 2026, to provide guidance for the implementation of Resolution No. 28/2026/QH16 on the development of Vietnamese culture and establishing criteria for piloting the cultural heritage city model, has opened up a new approach to the relationship between conservation and development.

On July 8, 2026, the Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 2376/QD-UBND approving the Project ‘Exploiting and Promoting the Value of the Complex of Hue Monuments to 2035’.

Climate change and increasingly extreme weather events are posing significant challenges to monument preservation. Hue Today Weekend interviewed Mr. Le Cong Son, Deputy Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, regarding proactive solutions to mitigate risks to Hue’s heritage.

Many valuable archival materials of the Nguyen Dynasty, as well as Hue’s historic structures and rituals, remain scattered across museums, archival centers, and private collections abroad. Through international cooperation and connections with researchers and cultural organizations, Hue is working to bring these archival resources home to support the restoration, conservation, and reconstruction of its heritage.

The front page leads with “From recognizing values to shaping the future of Hue’s heritage”, reflecting key outcomes from the International scientific conference on the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage values.

On the afternoon of July 10, Hue Monuments Conservation Center, in collaboration with Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, Ho Chi Minh Antique Association, and private collectors, opened an exhibition titled “Golden Heritage - A Convergence of Excellence” at Long An Palace - Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.

On May 5, following the directives of the City People’s Committee and in line with Resolution 55/2025/NQ-HĐND, Hue Monuments Conservation Center announced a pilot program to verify eligibility for the beneficiaries of reduced heritage entrance fees via the e-ticketing system.