Amid the bustling streets, watch repairers, raincoat patchers and other craftsmen still toil away at their work. Some people come to them to save money; others simply hope to hold on to an item tied to cherished memories. Among the shops selling brand-new goods, the craft of repair still meets the practical needs of a segment of Hue’s residents.

On October 24th, the University of Sciences, Hue University held a seminar themed ‘50 Years of Progress - Those Who Keep Time’, marking the upcoming 50th anniversary of Hue General University's traditional day (October 27th, 1976 - October 27th, 2026) and the 70th anniversary of the University of Sciences, Hue University (1957 - 2027).

While preserving traditional handcrafted techniques, unicorn head-making artisans in Hue are adapting designs and colors to suit consumer tastes, seeking to expand their markets at home and abroad.

Among Hue’s traditional craft villages, the bronze-casting craft in the formerly Phuong Duc Ward (now Thuan Hoa Ward) is renowned for the skill, patience, and dedication of artisans.

The rhythmic clang of hammers rings out from blacksmiths’ forges, the scent of fresh wood fills carpentry workshops, and artisans work with bamboo strips, conical hat frames, needles and thread. Each craft has its own tasks, and each artisan has a personal way of keeping the tradition alive. The resulting products bear the distinctive marks of their craft villages and reflect the diligence and skill of the craftsmen.

By day, they are music teachers, bakers, or bartenders; by night, they become singers and musicians on small stages of coffee shops and community music nights. It is this very passion that helps many young people in Hue keep the flame of music alive, contributing to an accessible and vibrant live music scene.

According to the information released by the Department of Tourism on the morning of August 20, based on survey data, the number of tourists to Hue during this year’s National Day holiday (September 2) is expected to keep on rising year-on-year, reaching an estimated 535,000 arrivals.

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.

Whether at the scene of a natural disaster or in investigations that span many months, they share a common mission: to be present where the challenges are greatest, the pressure is most intense and the obstacles are toughest. Behind every news report and every article lies a responsibility to the truth, to the community and to people's lives.

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.