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The Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center will organize a special program, "Hue Imperial Palace Mid-Autumn Festival 2025," with the highlight being the complete waiver of entrance fees to the Imperial Citadel area on two important nights: October 6th and 7th (corresponding to the 15th and 16th of the 8th lunar month). This activity aims to recreate a part of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere in the Imperial Palace, while also creating a unique cultural and tourism highlight to attract visitors to the World Heritage site during this period.
The main area for the activities will be the Ministry of Interior area within the Imperial Citadel, from 7 PM to 10 PM on October 6th and 7th. This area will be transformed into a light art space featuring the display and arrangement of hundreds of vibrant lanterns.
The Hue Imperial Citadel will be open at night free of charge to celebrate the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival at the Imperial Palace.
The most unique highlight of the event is the diverse combination of lanterns from different origins and styles. Visitors will be able to admire characteristic Hue lanterns, including handcrafted bamboo and rattan lanterns from the famous Bao La craft village. In addition, the space will showcase exquisite traditional lantern creations by artisans from Gifu Prefecture, Japan, creating an interesting cultural fusion. The presence of modern folding lanterns (from CAN Studio) further enriches the visual experience. This space promises to become an ideal "check-in" spot, attracting a large number of visitors within the Heritage site. Visitors will enter the event area through the Hoa Binh Gate (for cars) or the Hien Nhon Gate (for pedestrians and motorbikes).
Besides admiring the romantic lantern-lit atmosphere, visitors also have a rare opportunity to directly experience traditional royal court culture and games. These activities are held from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM on the two nights of the event.
The refined games of our ancestors, once only found in historical records, are now vividly recreated, including "dau ho" (throwing spears into vases), "bai vu," and "xam huong." These activities are not only entertaining but also a way to learn about history, helping participants understand more about the sophisticated lifestyle of the aristocracy and royal family during the Nguyen dynasty. In addition, calligraphy writing is also organized, allowing visitors to record their wishes and blessings on the night of the full moon in August.
Visitors can also experience traditional court games such as Dau Ho, Bai Vu, Xam Huong, calligraphy, etc., from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM on the nights of October 6th and 7th (corresponding to the 15th and 16th of the 8th lunar month).
Behind the Ministry of Interior building, the "Imperial Palace Mid-Autumn Festival Night" program will be held, featuring unique traditional art performances, promising a cultural space rich in Hue's identity. The fact that the entire Imperial Palace Mid-Autumn Festival program is open to the public and free of charge is a strong tourism stimulus, inviting the public and international tourists to participate and experience it.
