Kite flying - A favorite pastime of King Bảo Đại
What makes kite flying a daily cultural feature of summer in Hue
Under the Nguyen Dynasty, kite flying was more than just a pastime; it was an elegant part of both courtly and folk life in Hue. Kite festivals and talent competitions were once bustling rendezvous points throughout the imperial city. From a simple folk game, kite flying evolved into a unique aerial puppetry art, telling stories through exquisite shapes, vibrant colors, and the very spirit of ancient operas carried by each wind-filled kite.
Turning back the pages of history to before 1945, Emperor Bao Dai, a passionate kite enthusiast, frequently organized magnificent kite contests for the nobility across the imperial city of Hue. Since then, every summer, the space in front of the Imperial Citadel would be filled with the fluttering of kites, becoming an indispensable part of the memories of generations of Hue people, from silver-haired elders to playful children.
Hue kites are not merely the familiar diamond shape soaring into the blue sky. They are a miniature world of art, meticulously crafted into the forms of graceful cranes, majestic golden dragons, magnificent phoenixes, or any creature or being that sparks the kite flyer's interest.
Try, just once, to set foot in Hue, experience the relaxing feeling on the lush green lawn in front of the Imperial Citadel, sip a fragrant picnic coffee, and watch the colorful kites dancing against the backdrop of the twilight sky. It's a peaceful interlude, a very "Hue" experience that Ancient Hue sincerely recommends for your journey to explore the ancient capital.
