“Instead of just harvesting the fruits to sell at the market, now I also ‘sell’ the shade beneath the trees, the hands-on experience of bending branches to pluck the fruits, and the human life stories deeply intertwined with the lifespan of the trees”..., shared old farmer Le Thong, the owner of an orchard with over 200 trees in Thuan Loc Village, Binh Dien Commune.

Moving beyond ceremonial settings and enclosed stages within heritage spaces, Hue International Music Week 2026, a highlight of Hue Festival 2026, is designed to engage the wider community through music.

Thanks to the application of artificial intelligence (AI), many of Hue’s heritage values are being retold by young people in an entirely new “language”. Historic structures and symbolic cultural icons, long associated with an atmosphere of antiquity and quiet elegance, are now being brought to life through digital creations, contributing to taking Hue Ancient Capital’s image closer to young audiences.

Hue Ao Dai Week 2026, featuring a series of cultural, artistic, and community activities to honor the values of Vietnam’s traditional Ao-dai and reaffirm the brand of “Hue - The Capital of Ao Dai”, will take place from July 3 to 10.

The culture and way of life in the highlands possess a unique charm. This appeal comes not only from the distinct customs, cuisine, and lifestyle, but also from the unique stories of the mountains and forests preserved by ethnic minority communities, as well as their cultural identities passed down through generations.

Hue Today Weekly Issue No. 73 features 12 pages with many engaging sections, including Perspectives, Meetings, Economy & Development, Culture & Arts, Lifestyle, Book Stories, and Report & Notes.

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.

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.