Hue and our grade 11 journey of discovering vietnamese identity

This January, we Olympians of grade 11 took a learning trip to Hue as part of the interdisciplinary Literature - History project “Choice and Continuity.” The project’s goal went beyond simply “learning to know.” It invited us to understand where Vietnamese identity comes from, how it is preserved in heritage and everyday life, and how it is carried forward as the country steps into new turning points of the era. For us, Hue was not merely a destination; it was an open classroom - where the pages of textbooks could be touched by sight, hands, and emotions.

Hue welcomed us with its own quiet, contemplative charm. Thien Mu Pagoda by the Perfume River brought a sense of calm, encouraging us to slow down, observe more closely, and think more deeply. At Hue Craft Space, watching meticulous hands create traditional handicrafts helped us realize that culture does not live only in grand dynastic narratives, but also in time-honored trades and the persistence of daily labor. Stepping into the Imperial City, the moss-covered roofs, ancient walls, and disciplined architectural axes made history feel tangible rather than distant. In the evening at Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, court music and opera left a lasting impression with their solemnity and refinement - like a voice from the past, expressed through music, ritual, and aesthetic sensibility.

Throughout the journey, the spirit of “Continuity and Transformation” was most vividly felt at Minh Mang Mausoleum and Khai Dinh Mausoleum. Minh Mang’s architecture, deeply influenced by Confucian philosophy, features symmetrical layouts harmonized with nature, clearly reflecting traditional views of the universe and humanity. In contrast, Khai Dinh Mausoleum stands out for its bold transformation: modern materials such as concrete and steel, Western-influenced decorative arts, yet an unmistakably Eastern spirit preserved in its layout and symbolism. Together, the two mausoleums offer different answers to the same question: how can a culture preserve its core while adapting to the changing times?

Beyond monumental architecture, the idea of “choice and continuity” also appeared in everyday life. At Xuan Dai garden house, as we made “banh nam” and “banh bot loc” with our own hands, we learned that traditional cuisine is not only about flavor, but also about patience, care, and the way Hue people preserve their way of life through each small step. At the Nam Giao Esplanade, the sacred ritual space helped us better understand spiritual beliefs - where humanity, nature, and the royal court were connected as a way of expressing hopes for peace and prosperity.

Thanh Tien paper flower village, in particular, left a deep emotional impression. Carefully shaping each branch and assembling each delicate flower made us realize that traditional cultural values can only endure when they are cherished and passed down from one generation to the next.

The exchange with Quoc Hoc Hue High School at the end of the journey also gave us a chance to connect and share, allowing us to witness how a strong learning spirit and school traditions are quietly yet persistently carried on through generations of students.

Through this journey, we came to understand that Vietnamese identity is not fixed or unchanging; it is the result of preserving core values while remaining flexible and responsive to the times. The project “Choice and Continuity” not only deepened our knowledge of Literature and History but also nurtured a greater appreciation for national culture - helping us recognize more clearly the responsibility of young generations to preserve, share, and continue these traditional values.

Hue may have marked the end of a trip, but it opened a longer journey within us: a journey of learning to understand the past in order to step into the future, and of carrying forward traditional values so we can take flight - higher, toward new horizons.

Written by Nguyen Hoai Phuong, Class 11H