Quoc An, one of the oldest ancestral pagodas in Hue, is well known not only for its ancient architecture or long history, but also for its collection of statues, antiques, and precious documents, which are preserved almost intact.

On the afternoon of May 19, the exhibition “Hue - A Historical Legacy and a Journey of Rising in a New Era” was organized by the City Museum of History at Huong Tra High School in Huong Tra Ward.

The 2021-2025 period can be regarded as one of the most extraordinary stages in the development history of Hue City. This was not merely a term of socio-economic development following a conventional trajectory, but rather a period of “running while lining up”: simultaneously coping with unprecedented shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and global instability, while concentrating resources to realize the strategic goal of becoming a centrally governed municipality.

Traditional culture is no longer unfamiliar to young people as the student group “Gen Z Ke Su” (Gen Z Tells History) from the Communication Technology major at FPT University Da Nang launched a media project titled “Co Vat Cung Dinh” (Royal Antiquities). The project uses modern technology applications to tell traditional stories.

Nearly 200 high school students took part in an “outdoor lesson” right within a heritage space, where historical knowledge was accessed through games, challenges, and hands-on experience, making it more vivid and easier to remember.

34 ancient books, many of which are rare and one-of-a-kind artifacts, are currently on display at the exhibition “Tales from ancient pages” at the Co Mat Vien - Tam Toa historical site. Through pages tinted by the passage of time, a portion of the history, culture, and daily life of the Nguyen Dynasty comes vividly to life.

The book series “Phan Thuan An and Hue” (Tri Thuc Publishing House), including three volumes - History of Hue, Culture of Hue, and Folktales of Hue - was introduced on April 26 through a collaboration between the author’s family and relevant organizations.

Such is the title of a book recently released by Thuan Hoa Publishing House in late March 2026. The more than 20 articles included in the book are the result of a dedicated process of research, documentation, and fieldwork by its two authors, Nguyen Duc Loc and Le Thi Mai An (currently working at the Hue City Museum of History).

Historical documents and artifacts featured in the thematic exhibition “Hue - Historical Imprints and the Journey to Rise in a New Era” have contributed to promoting heritage education programs, while enriching students’ knowledge of history and culture.

Many journeys back to old Hue begin with seemingly small details. For me, it was a visit to An Thu garden house in Gia Hoi old quarter - a contemplative Hue residence nestled behind lush green trees. Mr. Vo Chanh Tien, the current caretaker, led me through the rooms while sharing the house's history and stories of generations tied to the garden and the rhythm of the old Gia Hoi. But what made me linger the longest was actually… beneath my feet.

Every year the museum welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to visit and enjoy.