Hue Ancient Capital - Where Spring Returns to the Land of Heritage

Without the hustle and bustle, Tet in the ancient capital of Hue has its own unique flavor - profound, subtle, and deeply imbued with the traditional cultural values ​​of a land with over 700 years of history.

As the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, Hue – the “Heritage City” – is adorned with a gentle, serene beauty in the traditional colors and atmosphere of the Tet holiday.

Without the hustle and bustle, Tet in the ancient capital of Hue has its own unique flavor - profound, subtle, and deeply imbued with the traditional cultural values ​​of a land with over 700 years of history.

Springtime in the heart of heritage

With a history spanning over seven centuries, the ancient capital of Hue is a place where the finest cultural values ​​of the nation converge.

Hue is the only locality in the country to possess 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 6 sites unique to the former imperial capital: the Complex of Monuments of Hue Imperial City, Hue Royal Court Music, Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks, Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Archives, Poetry and Literature on Hue Imperial Architecture, and the Bronze Castings on the Nine Bronze Tripods in the Hue Imperial Palace.

In addition, Hue also co-owns two heritage sites with other localities: the practice of worshipping the Mother Goddess of the Three Realms and the Central Vietnamese Bài Chòi art form.

The Hue Imperial Citadel – the “heart” of the Hue Imperial City Complex – in spring dons a new, vibrant coat of colorful flowers, yet remains majestically solemn amidst the landscape. Stepping through the Ngo Mon Gate into the Hue Imperial Citadel, visitors feel as if they are touching a space steeped in history.

The moss-covered city walls, palaces, and pavilions that witnessed the ups and downs of the Nguyen Dynasty now welcome visitors in the gentle spring sunshine. Each tiled roof gleams with a warm golden hue, and the trees in the Hue Imperial Citadel sprout new leaves, creating a picture that is both ancient and full of life.

The Nguyen Dynasty's New Year's Court Ceremony is reenacted at the Thai Hoa Grand Court, Hue Imperial Citadel. (Photo: Nguyen Ly/VNA)

In front of the palaces within the Hue Imperial Citadel, numerous flowers and miniature landscapes in the imperial style are displayed, creating a scene that is both solemn and vibrant. The gardens within the Hue Imperial Citadel are decorated with a blend of traditional bonsai and modern spring flowers. Pots of yellow apricot blossoms and pink peach blossoms are interspersed with orchids and lilies, creating a fusion of classic and modern styles, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery while learning about the cultural heritage and history.

In spring, the Hue Imperial Citadel is not only a tourist destination but also a place that preserves the memories, pride, and identity of the ancient capital of Hue. The graceful ao dai dresses of young women, the families gathering to take photos during Tet (Lunar New Year) in the Hue Imperial Citadel, create a spring season rich in tradition yet filled with the joy of reunion.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoang Khanh Quoc, from Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city, brought their two children to the Hue Imperial Citadel for a spring outing. Mr. Quoc shared that springtime at the Imperial Citadel is a continuation of the past with the present, a bridge connecting ancient values ​​with future aspirations. Amidst the clear spring sky, the Hue Imperial Citadel seems to silently remind everyone to cherish the heritage even more, so that with each spring, this heritage bursts with new life in the heart of the ancient capital.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the Hue Imperial Citadel hosts the Thuong Tieu Ceremony, also known as the erection of the New Year's pole, signaling the arrival of Tet and Spring; the Nguyen Dan Court Ceremony in front of the Thai Hoa Palace; and the "Imperial Palace Tet" recreating the traditional Tet atmosphere in the former Imperial Palace.

In addition, there are art programs, folk games, and exhibition spaces recreating the lifestyles of the royal court and the common people, helping locals and tourists better appreciate the beauty of Hue's culture. Therefore, Tet is not only a time for family reunions but also an opportunity for traditions to be continued and spread through generations.

According to the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center, from February 17-19 (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of the Lunar New Year 2026), a series of spectacular art programs will take place at the Hue Imperial Citadel, offering visitors a truly authentic imperial experience at the beginning of the new year.

Specifically, on the first day of Tet, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at Ngo Mon Gate; there are performances of traditional music, folk music, Hue folk songs, and a special mixed art program. Following the Changing of the Guard ceremony, cannons are fired at Ngo Mon Gate; and people can experience traditional court games such as Xam Huong, Bai Vu, Tha Tho, and Dau Ho.

On the 2nd and 3rd days of the Lunar New Year, there will be spectacular lion and dragon dances and traditional martial arts performances.

As spring arrives, the tombs of Emperors Gia Long, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh, part of the Hue Imperial Citadel complex, also don a vibrant appearance, with spring flowers arranged elegantly, creating a fresh atmosphere while maintaining their solemnity.

Visiting this place during Tet (Lunar New Year), tourists can enjoy the spring scenery while experiencing the subtle harmony between expansive nature and profound history.

The story of horses by the Perfume River

Tet in Hue is not only present and spread throughout the historical sites, temples, and tombs, but also along the romantic Perfume River. Strolling along the Perfume River – a heritage river overlooking the Hue Imperial City – each person feels more strongly the harmony between identity and integration.

During springtime, the banks of the Perfume River, passing through the city center, are ablaze with color, adorned with hundreds of thousands of flower pots and miniature landscapes. Particularly captivating to visitors is the three clusters of horse-shaped mascots placed along both banks of the river.

The horse mascot is placed on the north bank of the Perfume River in Hue City. (Photo: Nguyen Ly/VNA)

These horse mascots are symbolic in style, inspired by the court aesthetics of the Nguyen Dynasty. The patterns, colors, and lines on the horse mascots are stylized, creating a complete work that is both traditional and modern.

Horses and dragon-horses hold a special place in the cultural life, ideology, rituals, and court art of the Nguyen Dynasty. In Eastern culture, the dragon-horse represents a transformation, a special combination, or an incarnation of the dragon, unicorn, and horse.

In the ancient capital of Hue, the dragon-horse is often seen on screens – a distinctive type of "architecture." The image of the dragon-horse also appeared on the Hue Festival logo for the first time in 2000 and has become a recognizable symbol throughout the festival to this day.

Meanwhile, the horse, the seventh animal in the 12-animal zodiac, symbolizes strength, perseverance, and is associated with many aspects of social life.

According to Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center, under the Nguyen Dynasty, horses played an important role in military activities, transportation, ceremonies, and left a deep mark on court art through architecture, sculpture, painting, and royal artifacts.

Going back in time to 1826, Emperor Minh Mạng established the Thượng Tứ Institute in the Imperial City of Huế to nurture, train, and manage various types of horses, such as Ngự Mã (horses reserved for the emperor), Lộ Mã (horses used for pulling carriages), Nghi Mã (horses used for ceremonies), and Sai Mã (horses used for dispatches).

Along with that, the strict regulations on selection, breeding, and training demonstrate the monarchical state's systematic management of this force. This shows that horses not only played an important role in court life but also contributed to creating a distinctive mark in the rituals and art of the Nguyen Dynasty.

This Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), at Ly Tu Trong Park on the south bank of the Perfume River, a pair of symmetrically shaped horses facing each other, representing the harmonious balance of yin and yang, have been placed as mascots. The two horses have a powerful, galloping posture, and their flowing lines create an upward-reaching visual axis, attracting attention from many different directions.

In particular, the colors of the twin horses carry significant meaning. Red symbolizes good fortune, wealth, and new vitality, while blue represents peace, perseverance, and inner strength. The gilding technique used in the painting aims to honor the value of royal craftsmanship, while also evoking a sense of authority, sacredness, and royal status.

In the area of ​​the National Education Monument, on the south bank of the Perfume River, there is a statue of a herd of horses leaping over the gate. Visitors are impressed by the three horses galloping, symbolizing the three blessings: "Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity," and also conveying the message "success upon arrival," expressing hopes for a prosperous and thriving new year.

At Thuong Bac Park, on the north bank of the Perfume River, a golden horse mascot is placed in a "flying" pose, inspired by the image of "Giong's Horse" and the dragon-horse in traditional culture. The soaring posture represents a proud spirit, aspiration for advancement, and the power to break through.

Springtime of growth expectations

The documents presented to the 14th National Congress of the Party affirmed that culture is an intrinsic strength, a resource and a driving force for development.

The Resolution of the 17th Congress of the Hue City Party Committee, for the term 2025-2030, sets the goal that by 2030, Hue will become a distinctive heritage city of Vietnam, one of the major and unique centers of culture and tourism in Southeast Asia.

Joining the crowds celebrating the Lunar New Year along the Perfume River, Mrs. Tran Thi Oanh, 68 years old, from An Cuu ward, Hue city, expressed her hope that in the new year 2026 and the years to come, the city will experience strong development, moving into a new era alongside the rest of the country, while still preserving its inherent identity.

International tourists visit and enjoy taking photos with the horse mascot located on the south bank of the Perfume River in Hue City. (Photo: Nguyen Ly/VNA)

Ms. Oanh shared that the city continues to affirm that the path of development based on cultural heritage is very correct and appropriate to the local characteristics. Preserving and restoring heritage, maintaining traditions, and promoting the cultural values ​​of Hue is not only a responsibility but also a driving force for the city's sustainable development, creating a unique appeal in the modern flow.

According to Hue City Party Secretary Nguyen Dinh Trung, leveraging the strengths of heritage in conjunction with building, preserving, and developing Hue's culture and people has always been a priority for the Hue City Party Committee.

To preserve and promote the value of cultural relics and heritage, the city is focusing resources on accelerating the planning and restoration of typical cultural, historical, and revolutionary relics; relocating factories, enterprises, and offices out of the Hue Imperial Citadel area; and relocating residents living on the Upper Citadel within the Hue Imperial Citadel.

The city is investing in infrastructure development for heritage tourism; strengthening linkages and cooperation with domestic and international localities to build a friendly and hospitable cultural environment; researching and developing cultural industries based on exploiting and maximizing Hue's potential and advantages in terms of cultural heritage values; and building mechanisms and policies to attract investors into the cultural sector.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/co-do-hue-noi-mua-xuan-tim-ve-mien-di-san-post1094482.vnp