The Imperial Citadel of Hue in central Vietnam will be illuminated with a magical light festival from June 8 to 22. Titled “Hue Imperial Citadel: A Magical and Poetic Walk”, the festival will take place at the Thai Binh Lau, also known as the Royal Reading Pavilion, and promises to be a captivating cultural experience.
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| The light festival will feature a stunning 3D mapping show, brought to life by artists and lighting experts from France and Vietnam. The vibrant displays will be set to an uplifting musical backdrop, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Photo: Institut Français du Vietnam (IFV) |
Organized by Thua Thien-Hue Province, with the support of the French Embassy and the Institut Français du Vietnam, the festival aims to showcase the rich heritage of the Hue Imperial Citadel and boost local tourism. Through this event, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic site in a whole new light, quite literally!
Attendees can look forward to 12 breathtaking light and sound installations, each offering a unique perspective on the citadel’s history and beauty. “Silk Dream”, “Lotus Pond”, and “Quang Minh Vien” (The Garden of Light) are just a few of the highlights that will illuminate the ancient artifacts with modern technology.
The festival also showcases the latest in lighting technology, with smart grid systems, stage lighting, video mapping, LED Artnet, and more. It has been a labor of love for the team of French and Vietnamese engineers from AC3 Studio, who have spent over a year crafting the technical solutions and creative program.
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| Adding to the spectacle, 240 flashing lanterns have been installed at the entrance gate of the Royal Reading Pavilion, creating a magical pathway to the festival. |
This light festival is just one of the many exciting events taking place as part of the Hue Festival and Hue International Arts Festival 2024, which runs from June 7 to 22. With the theme “Cultural Heritage with International Integration and Development”, the larger festival promises a diverse range of cultural experiences, including spring, summer, autumn, and winter festivals, each with its unique charm.
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is a city like no other. With its rich history and cultural heritage, it boasts five UNESCO-recognized elements: the ancient citadel, Hue royal court music, Nguyen dynasty wooden blocks, administrative documents, and literature on Hue royal architecture. A visit to Hue is a journey through time and a celebration of Vietnam’s imperial past.
Building on the success of the previous light show, “Hue by Light – The Live Show”, which was held in December 2023 to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between France and Vietnam, this upcoming festival is set to be even more spectacular.
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| Mark your calendars and get ready to be dazzled at the Hue Imperial Citadel Light Festival! |
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