On April 18, at Secret Affairs Institute - Tam Toa Complex (No. 33, Tong Duy Tan Street, Phu Xuan Ward), Hue Monuments Conservation Center opened the exhibition “Stories from Ancient Manuscripts.” The event responds to Hue Festival 2026 - the Summer Festival themed “The Shining Citadel” and looks ahead to Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21).

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.

Without the need for large-scale promotional campaigns, many young people are turning to social media as their own way to tell stories about Hue. From short videos and everyday imagery to artistic projects, the image of the former imperial capital is gradually reaching the public in a more vivid and relatable way.

On the afternoon of February 19, at Keiser University (28 Nguyen Tri Phuong), a non-profit community event themed “Spring Awakening of Dreams: The Journey of Hue people to the World's Top 1% Universities” took place in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. The program gathered notable figures from Hue, who conquered the world's top prestigious universities, returning to engage in direct dialogue with the younger generation in their hometown.

The heritage space of Hue’s Imperial Citadel is being retold in a new language, the language of technology. At the Royal Treasury Palace, stories of the past are no longer meant solely to be observed, but also to be touched, listened, and experienced, opening up a gentle, emotionally resonant way of engaging with the heritage of Hue Ancient Capital.

Alongside Bat Trang ceramics from Hanoi, Phuoc Tich ceramics from Hue tell viewers the cultural and historical stories through each artifact.

Hue is changing every day through its bridges. From the more-than-120-year-old Truong Tien Bridge reflecting the city’s heritage, to Phu Xuan, Nguyen Hoang, Da Vien, Thuan An, Tam Giang, etc., these bridges not only connect the roads of Hue but also symbolize the city’s reach toward the future.

The event titled “Hue - Innovation for Sustainable Development” (Hue Innovation Day 2025) and the forum “Developing Private Economy in Connection with Heritage Economy Development in Hue” were recently held, opening new perspectives on harnessing heritage values as an economic resource. From the stories of young businesses to the strategy of heritage urban development, Hue is affirming its own path: Turning heritage into a sustainable development momentum.

Hue City Department of Tourism has just presented a new function called “Tourism Narration” into the Visit Hue application. This digital technology solution offers tourists an easier way to explore and listen to stories about Hue Ancient Capital’s heritage.

The exhibition titled “HER-ITAGE - Restructuring Traditional Embroidery”, held in late September, left many emotions and beautiful impressions on visitors and Hue residents with bridal gowns that carry cultural stories. At the exhibition, viewers could see firsthand the delicate, creative, and soaring carvings, inlays, and cuts of Vietnamese traditional embroidery art shown on vivid patterns of bridal gowns, including Hue royal motifs.