Ao dai performance on the Huong River

Recognized as a leading unit in Vietnam and a model for the preservation and restoration of historical relics, on the occasion of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day November 23, Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, shared fascinating insights with Thua Thien Hue Weekly about the journey to restore and enhance heritage values, contributing to making the Complex of Hue Monuments an attractive destination.

Inspired by the phoenix (“Linh phung” in Vietnamese), a symbol of eternal grace and happiness, the 12 ao dai collections showcased at the recent “Linh phung” Ao dai Festival have left deep impressions and emotions in the hearts of the public and audience.

After more than four years of implementation, the project “Hue – The Capital of Ao Dai Vietnam” has more or less received the attention and positive response of the public through many activities and events. Besides, there have been policies that create favourable conditions for businesses operating in the tailoring industry, as well as encourage people to wear ao dai on important occasions and events, which has popularised the image of ao dai.

Throughout the S-shaped strip of the land of Vietnam, Ao dai can be found in every region. Specifically, in Hue, Ao dai has become a part of the cultural identity and unique beauty of the people here. An important milestone in Hue Ao dai costume was in 1744, after Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat ascended the throne in Phu Xuan, he promulgated many policies and mentioned the modification of costumes. Thereafter, during the Nguyen Dynasty, the court issued an order, creating an opportunity for Hue women in particular and Vietnamese women in general to wear Ao dai regularly. Accordingly, the tradition of wearing Ao dai gradually entered the daily life of people.

On the afternoon of June 26, High School for Gifted Students of the University of Sciences, Hue University held an awarding ceremony for the contest “Designing 12 zodiac animal stamps on the Ao dai in 2024”. The contest aims to respond to the Ao dai Week 2024 activity, and, at the same time, create opportunities for members of the school's stamp club to learn about the traditional 12 zodiac animal stamps.