In the context of the increasingly extensive development of Vietnam-Japan relations, local cooperation has become an important driving force that fosters strong and lasting ties between the two countries. For Hue - Vietnam’s unique heritage city - Japan is not only a partner in economy, trade, and tourism, but also a special companion in the journey of cultural exchange, people-to-people engagement, and sustainable development rooted in heritage values.

Lotus roots that lie deeply in the mud, through hands of Hue people, are “upgraded” to become a sophisticated exquisite dish. Though far from a luxurious dish, many people are willing to cover tens of kilometers just to taste it.

A kite originating from Hue, which has been preserved for nearly 60 years in a museum in the United States, was discovered by a Vietnamese restoration expert. Through numerous accompanying documents, together with a passion for cultural roots, that expert “told the story” about how the kite was ordered in Hue Ancient Capital, then taken all the way to the U.S., and became an artistic artifact, etc…. It was truly fascinating.

Through an interdisciplinary approach involving cultural anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and heritage studies, the project “Core elements that create Hue’s identity, a distinctive land in Vietnamese culture - once the Imperial Capital, a center of culture - religion - arts, and a symbol of deep-rooted traditions” seeks to clarify the role and value of Hue’s identity within the broader national culture. At the same time, it suggests directions for sustainable preservation and promotion in the context of modernization and globalization.

Slow travel is emerging as a popular trend among many tourists. With its rich natural landscape, deep cultural and heritage roots, traditional way of life, and the unique warmth of its people, Hue holds many advantages for developing this form of tourism. However, to truly develop slow travel, Hue still has much work to do.

Hue and Nara, both are former Ancient Capitals of Vietnam and Japan respectively, are strengthening their cooperative ties amid a global trend shifting toward “local cooperation for global benefit”. This marks the emergence of a new, profound model of partnership, rooted in concrete development goals that place people and heritage at the center.

While not as famous as the Sonneratia forest in Cu Lao Dung (Soc Trang), the Sonneratia forest along the Lam River in Nghe An, or the one in Cu Lao Bac Phuoc (Quang Tri), etc., the Sonneratia trees along the coastal areas of Hue City are nevertheless taking root deeply in the mud and soil of the land every day.

Hue is becoming a fertile ground for strategic investors to set down roots.

From the historical roots of Thuận Hóa - Phú Xuân nearly 720 years ago, Hue has inherited a rich culinary elite resource, offering a competitive edge for the ancient capital tourism. Achieving the status of a centrally governed municipality brings new opportunities for Hue. Alongside its fresh and vibrant developments, Hue is increasingly recognized as a culinary city where quintessence converges.

“Coi mai vang Tinh Tam” (roughly translated as “Tranquillity from the Root of Yellow Apricot”) is the title of an exhibition by Le Van Loi, a Buddhism retired scholar, displayed at the Intercultural Meeting Point (Bach Dang Street, Hue City) from March 28th to April 3rd.