Hue sets global example for cultural heritage preservation

Hue, the capital of the Nguyen dynasty, is home to not only Vietnam’s last ruling monarchy in 143 years, but also to a number of priceless tangible and intangible heritages such as palaces, royal tombs, garden houses, art forms and royal cuisine.
hue sets global example for cultural heritage preservation hinh 0
The Hue Imperial Citadel.

Over the past 20 years, the Vietnamese government has placed considerable efforts into preserving Hue’s many cultural heritages.

The Complex of Hue Monuments has the honour of being the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Royal Literature on Hue Royal Architecture is the fifth artefact to be recognised by UNESCO, following recognition of the Hue Complex of Monuments in 1993, the Hue Royal Court Music in 2003, and the Nguyen dynasty’s wooden blocks and royal records, which were listed in the Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and Pacific regions in 2009 and 2014 respectively. 

A number of projects concerning the planning, preservation and promotion of Hue’s ancient relics until 2020 were approved by the Prime Minister.

"Over the past 22 years, much has been done to preserve Hue’s cultural heritages. More than US$65 million has been poured into preservation and restoration works. 

From being solely dependent on investment from foreign interests and the central government, the local authorities have become capable of providing 80% of direct investment sources for the preservation and promotion of Hue’s cultural heritages," said Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center.

Due to the quality of work done thus far, UNESCO has suggested turning Hue into a standard center for restoration of the world’s cultural heritages in the Asia-Pacific region. Much attention has also been paid to protecting Hue’s intangible cultural heritages, according to Phan Thanh Hai.

"Hue is rich with a large number of diverse, intangible cultural heritages, and in addition to their preservation and restoration, finding proper ways to promote their values in modern life is also of great importance. 

For example, we’ve created venues to promote Hue’s royal court music performances and re-enacted royal ceremonies, such as the Nam Giao and Xa Tac worship rituals and royal guard changing ceremony," said Hai. 

Performances of royal court music have been held on the Thai Hoa palace grounds, at To Mieu Temple which houses shrines to each of the Nguyen emperors,and inside Duyet Thi Duong theatre. 

This is to better introduce the art form’s unique values to a modern audience and foreign visitors interested in this rich history. 

Lessons on Hue’s cultural heritages and their values are taught at schools and are brought into public focus at many cultural festivals taking place across Hue.

VOV5

Other News

Vietnam secure berth at FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for first time

Vietnam secure berth at FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for first time

Vietnam national U17 football team secured a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for the first time after defeating United Arab Emirates national U17 football team 3-2 on in the final Group C match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia on early May 14 (Vietnam time).

Vietnam’s most beautiful railway station twins with French counterpart

Vietnam’s most beautiful railway station twins with French counterpart

A twinning agreement between Da Lat Railway Station in Vietnam and Trouville-Deauville Railway Station in France was signed at the French Embassy in Vietnam on May 7, creating new opportunities for cooperation in station management and operations, as well as cultural and tourism promotion between the two sides.

Hanoi gains two more craft villages in World Crafts Cities network

Hanoi gains two more craft villages in World Crafts Cities network

The recognition of Chuyen My and Son Dong craft villages as members of the World Crafts Cities network represents international acknowledgement of the cultural value, artisanal techniques, creativity and sustainable vitality of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages, he said.

Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2026 to return in September

Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2026 to return in September

Co-hosted by the municipal People’s Committee, the Department of Culture and Sports, and domestic and foreign agencies, the whole spectacle is meant to honour the city’s millennia-old heritage while reafffirming its strategy of establishing culture as a development engine.

Spreading Vietnamese cultural identity in digital space

Spreading Vietnamese cultural identity in digital space

In the context of deep international integration, cultural identity serves as both a “shield” against assimilation and a defining marker of a nation’s image. Protecting and promoting uniquely Vietnamese cultural values has therefore become a pressing task, particularly in an increasingly complex digital environment.

ITE HCMC 2026 to promote Vietnam’s tourism on global map

ITE HCMC 2026 to promote Vietnam’s tourism on global map

With its large scale, the ITE HCMC 2026 aims to promote tourism cooperation between Vietnam and priority markets such as Northeast Asia, Western Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania while also boosting visitor arrivals from the Indian market

Vietnamese puppetry seeks renewal amid preservation challenges

Vietnamese puppetry seeks renewal amid preservation challenges

Although widely regarded as a cultural “speciality” attracting tourists, Vietnamese puppetry is facing multiple challenges in preservation and development, requiring renewed efforts to both safeguard its identity and adapt to contemporary cultural currents.

Project on digital transformation in cultural sector approved

Project on digital transformation in cultural sector approved

By 2030, the project targets the establishment of shared digital platforms across 100% of cultural sectors. All digitised cultural heritage will be standardised under the national data framework and shared in accordance with regulations, while 80% of public digital heritage assets are expected to receive digital identifiers to clarify ownership and management, encouraging organisations and individuals to do the same and support market development.

Vietnam eyes becoming region’s leading tourism destination

Vietnam eyes becoming region’s leading tourism destination

Vietnam has in recent years undergone a notable transformation in its tourism development strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature-based and eco-tourism. This shift is not merely aligned with global trends, but represents a necessary step towards safeguarding valuable natural resources, while appealing to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.