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Attending the program were Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hue City; Ms. Tran Thi Hoai Tram, Director of the Department of Tourism of Hue City; along with leaders of departments, agencies, tourism units, travel businesses and a large number of domestic and international tourists.
From early evening, the Tinh Tam Lake area became bustling as thousands of locals and tourists flocked to attend the event. In the gentle summer sunset, the lotus flowers in full bloom on the lake's surface created a poetic and pure scene. The historical site was equipped with an artistic lighting system, a real-life stage, and check-in points that reflected the rich culture of Hue, creating a special attraction for visitors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Vice Chairman of the Hue City People's Committee, said that the Hue Lotus Festival 2026, held at Tinh Tam Lake - one of the famous scenic spots of the ancient capital of Hue, aims to honor the beauty of the lotus flower, while also introducing and promoting the cultural and artistic values as well as characteristic tourism products associated with the symbolic flower of the ancient capital to tourists from near and far.
According to Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Hue is a land that embodies and crystallizes unique cultural values, where nature, people, and heritage blend together to create a distinct identity. Within this cultural flow, the lotus flower has long been a familiar image, intimately connected to the spiritual life of the people of Hue.
The lotus flower is present in poetry, music, fine arts, architecture, beliefs, and even in culinary arts. From humble folk dishes to royal court cuisine, from lotus ponds in the imperial city to lotus lakes in the Imperial Palace, this pure flower has become a symbol of the noble, gentle, and profound character of the people of Hue.
Therefore, the theme "Imperial Lotus Awakening Water" carries multiple layers of meaning. "Imperial Lotus" evokes the precious lotus blossoms in the ancient royal palace, while "Awakening Water" represents the awakening of the water's surface, of memories and cultural values being revived within the heritage site. Through this program, the organizers hope to tell the story of Hue's lotus using modern artistic language, creating new experiences while still retaining a strong traditional identity.
A special highlight of the opening night was the elaborate "Thuc Thuy Show" live performance, staged right on Tinh Tam Lake. Unlike conventional stages, the show utilized the natural space and landscape architecture of the lotus lake to create a unique open stage.
Through a combination of music, light shows, dance, traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài) performances, and water effects, the "Thuc Thuy Show" takes audiences on a journey to discover the beauty of Hue's lotus flowers through various cultural perspectives. Stories about the ancient capital, the elegant beauty of the lotus flower, royal court memories, and contemporary life are told in an emotionally rich artistic language, creating memorable moments amidst the heritage space at night.
More than just an art program, the Hue Lotus Festival 2026 also offered a series of attractive experiential activities for locals and tourists. Numerous exhibition spaces showcasing lotus-based products, introducing dishes and drinks made from lotus, handicrafts, souvenirs, and characteristic OCOP products attracted a large number of visitors.
Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the cultural values associated with lotus flowers in the lives of Hue people, enjoy traditional art performances, participate in experiential activities, and capture beautiful moments by the lotus pond during its most vibrant season of the year.
The Lotus Festival is also an opportunity to promote the image of Tinh Tam Lake - one of the famous scenic spots of Hue Imperial City after a process of investment in preservation, restoration, and value enhancement. With its unique landscape and architectural system bearing the strong imprint of history, Tinh Tam Lake is gradually becoming an attractive destination in the journey of exploring Hue's heritage.
Organizing cultural, artistic, and tourism events here not only contributes to enlivening the historical site but also creates new tourism products, enhancing the attractiveness of Hue as a destination in the eyes of tourists.
Based on the initial positive results and the enthusiastic reception from locals and tourists, Hue city plans to continue researching and refining the Lotus Festival to make it an annual event with its own unique brand. This will not only be a festival honoring the lotus flower but also a distinctive cultural and tourism event associated with Tinh Tam Lake, contributing to enriching the city's heritage tourism ecosystem.
Amidst the poetic setting of Tinh Tam Lake, where lotus flowers bloom in the summer, "Ngu Lien Thuc Thuy" (Imperial Lotus Water Festival) has opened up an emotional journey, connecting the past with the present, and heritage with contemporary life. More than just a lotus flower festival, it's also an opportunity for visitors to deeply appreciate the beauty of Hue culture – a land that always knows how to renew itself from the traditional values nurtured over generations.
Therefore, the Hue Lotus Festival 2026 is not simply a cultural and tourism event, but also an invitation for tourists to come to Hue during the lotus blooming season, to listen to the story of the heritage, feel the pure beauty of the symbolic flower, and experience an ancient capital that is both ancient and vibrant, constantly shining on the tourism map of Vietnam and internationally.
