Themed “Cultural heritage with integration and development, Hue - one destination five heritages,” the biennial event aims to promote art exchanges among cultures and introduce the unique values of the culture of Vietnam and the former imperial city of Hue. One of the highlights will be the release of 30,000 lanterns on the Huong river.

Monk Thich Tue Phuoc, Deputy Head of the Thua Thien-Hue provincial Buddhist Sangha, explains: “This Buddhist ritual is like a light show. People will release the lanterns on the river to pray for peace, favorable weather, safety and prosperity”.     

This year’s festival is expected to draw 20 international art troupes from various countries, including France, the Republic of Korea, Israel, Mongolia, Japan, Thailand, Russia, China and Spain.

Hue city is home to five UNESCO heritages: Hue Complex of Monuments, Hue Royal Court Music, Woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the Nguyen Dynasty's royal documents and the royal literature on Hue royal architecture.