Hue: Thousands of tourists experience the Lunar New Year celebration at the Imperial Citadel on the first day of the Year of the Horse (2016).
On the first day of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), the Hue Imperial Citadel welcomed a large number of visitors who came to tour the citadel for free, enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony, cannon firing, and traditional court games.
On February 17th (the first day of the Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse 2026), the Hue Imperial Citadel became a focal point attracting a large number of tourists from all over the country. From early morning, domestic and international tour groups lined up in front of Ngo Mon Gate, waiting for the moment to "first-foot" this most representative heritage site of the ancient capital of Hue.
The Lunar New Year atmosphere at the Royal Palace and the free admission policy.
According to information from the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center, the unit implemented a policy of free entrance tickets for Vietnamese tourists on the first day of the new year. This is an annual activity aimed at creating opportunities for locals and tourists to admire the heritage and fully experience the atmosphere of the traditional Tet holiday in the ancient imperial palace setting.
The weather in Hue on the morning of the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year) was quite ideal, with a cool climate and gentle spring rain. These favorable conditions allowed for lively activities, art performances, and traditional court games, attracting enthusiastic participation from visitors.
Recreating the distinctive court rituals of the Nguyen Dynasty.
A notable highlight at the Ngo Mon Gate area is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, recreating the military activities of the Nguyen Dynasty. With meticulously recreated costumes and props, this ceremony not only contributes to preserving historical values but also creates a unique tourism product, providing an impressive visual experience for visitors.
Immediately following the changing of the guard ceremony, a solemn cannon firing demonstration took place. At the same time, the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center also organized a welcoming ceremony and presented gifts to the first international visitors, demonstrating the hospitality of this heritage land.
Experience the culture and folk games.
Throughout the first day of the Lunar New Year, visitors can enjoy performances of Hue's traditional music, including the Grand Music and Small Music, in front of the Thai Hoa Palace. The cultural atmosphere is further enhanced by performances of Hue's royal court music, calligraphy demonstrations, and the giving of auspicious calligraphy, vividly recreating the Tet holiday atmosphere in the ancient Imperial Palace.
In addition, traditional and folk games such as dice games, card games, poetry recitation, and head-to-head games also attract a large number of participants, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.
Schedule of activities during the upcoming Tet holiday
Besides the Imperial Citadel, other heritage sites such as the tombs of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, Khai Dinh, and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum also offer free entry to domestic visitors on the first day of Tet. Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center, said that cultural, martial arts, and royal court art activities will be maintained throughout the three days of Tet.
It is expected that on the 2nd and 3rd days of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), the Hue Imperial Citadel will continue to host lion and dragon dances and traditional martial arts performances, promising many exciting experiences for visitors to the ancient capital.
