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Within the framework of the Hue Festival 2026, the "Mystical Imperial Palace" program will officially take place from 8 PM every evening from April 25th to April 28th, 2026 at the Hue Imperial Citadel. This is a highlight activity of the Summer Festival "Shining Imperial City," and is also a community service program with no entrance fee, making it easy for locals and tourists to access and experience the cultural heritage.
Elaborately staged, "The Mystical Imperial Palace" vividly recreates the atmosphere of the Imperial Palace at night through a series of unique artistic activities and experiences. The program begins with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Ngo Mon Gate, featuring the firing of cannons, marking the moment the Imperial Palace opens. Visitors will then enter a magical space illuminated by torches, and a 3D mapping display of imperial motifs will be shown on Trung Dao Bridge. A lantern dance by palace maidens will follow, creating an emotionally rich journey that leads viewers to the courtyard of the Thai Hoa Grand Court.
As part of the Hue Festival 2026, the "Mystical Imperial Palace" program, taking place from April 25th to 28th, will be completely free to attend.
Here, the highlight of the program is the theatricalized Royal Court Ceremony, recreating the solemn atmosphere of the Nguyen Dynasty's court. Following this, the grand Military Departure Ceremony and Military Drills to the east of the Thai Hoa Palace will feature traditional martial arts performances such as flag dances, staff dances, spear fighting, archery, and fire effects, contributing to the majestic image of the ancient army. Meanwhile, to the west of the Thai Hoa Palace will be the Royal Market, offering visitors many unique cultural experiences.
Besides the royal court ceremonies, the "Mystical Royal Palace" program also offers diverse experiential spaces such as royal court games, a Hue Ao Dai and Hanbok fashion show, creating an interesting cultural exchange. Modern interactive activities such as the VR virtual reality experience "Searching for the Lost Royal Palace," the "Imperial Capital Archaeological Chronicle" space, and the exhibition of orchids and bonsai trees from the three regions at the Ministry of Interior, Thieu Phuong Garden, and Co Ha Garden further enrich the journey, bringing new perspectives on heritage to visitors.
The event featured elaborate performances such as the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a reenactment of the solemn Imperial Court ceremony, combined with modern 3D mapping technology and innovative VR virtual reality spaces.
Besides the royal ceremonies, visitors also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Royal Market and enjoy the culinary delights of the capital at the Ministry of Interior building.
Specifically, from 5:30 PM daily, the Imperial Citadel Cuisine area at the Ministry of Interior will open to serve visitors before they embark on their nighttime exploration of the Hue Imperial Citadel. This activity will take place from April 24th to May 2nd, 2026, with various flexible service options.
This is not only a unique cultural highlight but also a meaningful gift, bringing the heritage values of the Nguyen Dynasty closer to the community and contemporary tourists.
With a harmonious blend of traditional elements and modern technology, the series of activities in the "Magical Imperial Palace" program promises to be not only a unique nighttime tourism product but also contribute to enriching the experiences at the Hue Imperial Citadel, serving both locals and tourists, thereby spreading the value of the ancient capital's heritage in contemporary life.
