Foreign visitors embrace Lunar New Year traditions at Hue Imperial Citadel

In the opening days of the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, the Ngo Mon Square and the Hue Imperial Citadel are filled with visitors enjoying spring outings and taking photographs at one of Vietnam’s most iconic heritage landmarks.

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Notably, thousands of international visitors tour and experience the festive spring atmosphere inside the Hue Imperial Citadel, one of the most prominent heritage attractions within the Hue Monuments Complex.

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Pots of yellow apricot blossoms displayed in front of Thai Hoa Palace inside the Hue Imperial Citadel are in full bloom during the New Year holiday, drawing visitors eager to take photographs.

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According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, during the first days of the Lunar New Year, the site offers free admission to Vietnamese visitors, enabling locals and travelers to enjoy spring outings, explore the heritage complex and experience the traditional Tet atmosphere within the former royal palace.

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In the early days of the New Year, Hue’s cool weather and light spring drizzle creates favourable conditions for sightseeing activities, cultural performances and traditional royal games, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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For the Lunar New Year holiday, the Hue Imperial Citadel is lavishly decorated and hosted reenactments of royal court ceremonies, including the Changing of the Guard ritual, ceremonial cannon firing, and performances of Grand and Chamber Court Music.

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Newly reconstructed and introduced to the public, Kien Trung Palace at the Hue Imperial Citadel has emerged as a major draw for visitors, especially foreign travelers.

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Visitors eagerly pose for photographs beside Kien Trung Palace during the first days of the Lunar New Year of 2026.

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A leader of the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre says the large crowds are mainly due to the free-admission policy, which applies only on the first day of the Lunar New Year. However, cultural activities, traditional martial arts demonstrations and royal court performances will continue throughout the first three days of Lunar New Year to serve visitors.

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In addition to royal ritual reenactments, visitors to the Hue Imperial Citadel in the early days of the New Year also enjoy taking part in traditional court and folk games, creating a lively and colourful atmosphere across the heritage complex.

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These days, the Hue Imperial Citadel is hosting lion and dragon dance performances along with traditional martial arts demonstrations, that remain key highlights for spring visitors to the former imperial capital.