Against the backdrop of the Perfume River, the elegant melodies of Hue Royal Court Music intertwined with the youthful rhythms of J-pop performed by Japanese singer Kawanishi Natsuki, along with a series of impressive artistic performances from South Korea, set the stage for a vibrant and colorful opening ceremony of Hue International Music Week 2026 on the evening of June 13.

On the morning of May 29, the Department of Tourism announced that Hue Lotus Festival 2026 will take place from June 19 to 21 under the theme “Ngu lien thuc thuy” (Royal Lotus Awakens the Water). Featuring a wide range of cultural, artistic, and culinary activities as part of Hue Festival 2026, the event is expected to become a vibrant summer attraction for both residents and visitors.

In the depth of Hue culture, gardens are not merely green zones, acting as supporting elements for architecture, but a constituent factor shaping the urban identity. Hue is famous for the Perfume River, Mount Ngu, the Citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, and noble residences, but Hue is also well known for its gardens. In Hue, gardens soften architecture, calm the everyday life, deepen poetry, and create a unique urban style: a garden city, a city of poetry, the harmony between man and nature, or “an urban poem” as said by M’Bow, former Director-General of UNESCO.

Each completed pillow is the result of patience. Through the hands of young people, the traditional royal pillow-making craft continues to live on, keeping the cultural values of ancestors remain close and vibrant.

In the early summer morning mist, while the weather still carries a hint of chilly breeze, many people passing by Tinh Tam Lake inside Hue Citadel feel as though they have “wandered into a serene space”, where some brew tea, some enjoy tea, others gently pick lotus blossoms, while locals and visitors take the opportunity to pose for photos with the blooming lotus flowers… Tinh Tam has long been a famous scenic spot, once listed by Emperor Thieu Tri as one of the “Twenty finest landscapes of the Imperial Land”. Contributing greatly to the fame of this landmark is the white lotus, also known as the “royal” lotus.

More than 3 years after the passing of folk artisan Cong Ton Nu Tri Hue, the one who kept the secret techniques of making royal armrest pillows of the Nguyen Dynasty, also known as the “trai dua” (armrest pillow-blocks), an exhibition dedicated to her titled “Wholeheartedly, with devotion” has been organized by young people.

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.

“Half of the Vietnamese are in Hue” - a playful remark that has become a vivid expression of the strong appeal of tourism in the land of Huong River and Mount Ngu these days. Crowds are flocking to relic sites, pagodas, royal mausoleums, and eateries during the holidays, making the Ancient Capital more vibrant and lively.

On the evening of April 25, at Hue Imperial Citadel, within the framework of Hue Festival 2026, the art program “Enchanting Imperial Palace” officially opened. The event offers a variety of experiential areas, recreating the shimmering and enchanting beauty of Hue’s royal heritage at night.

On the evening of April 25, the art program “Enchanting Imperial Palace” will officially open at Hue Imperial Citadel. Combining royal court art with modern technology, the program promises to offer visitors a fresh and immersive experience. At the same time, it serves as an important pilot step in developing a night-time economy linked to heritage.

On the morning of April 24, at the Royal Treasury Palace area - Hue Imperial Citadel, the “Exhibition and display of orchids, bonsai, and ornamental stones of the three regions 2026” officially opened as part of Hue Festival 2026, attracting a large number of locals and visitors.

At Duyet Thi Duong Theater - Hue Imperial Citadel, a unique space has just been introduced to the public and visitors, which is Hue tuong mask exhibition space.

Combining tea making with tea tasting, the colors and fragrances of the ingredients will awaken the senses, bringing an attractive and interesting drink for tourists.