A serene and peaceful Hue. Photo: Huy Hai

Different tree species on each street

In 2016, when I was still a student, I often went “hunting for Western tourists” to practice my English-speaking skills. Many visitors, such as John (England), Sophia (France), and Carry (USA), were all impressed by the well-distributed urban greenery along both banks of the Perfume River. I recall John feeling relaxed as he sat by the fresh, clean Perfume River and remarked: “Hue’s nature and heritage are wonderful. The peaceful rhythm of life here makes me happy to stay.”

Hue was the first city in Vietnam to be recognized as a “National Green City” by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF – Vietnam) in 2016. Since then, through continuous efforts, Hue has gradually shaped itself into a green, clean, and bright urban area, maintaining its reputation as a “National Green City”. Currently, the two districts of Phu Xuan and Thuan Hoa have over 70,000 trees planted in designated green spaces, with additional trees being annually supplemented. Mr. Dang Ngoc Quy, Deputy Director of the Thuan Hoa District’s Green Park Center, shared: The scheme titled “Hue – The City of Four Seasons of Flowers” has been implemented since 2020. Accordingly, major roads have been supplemented with trees following the principle of ‘different tree species on each street”. For example, camphor trees, salt trees and ironwood trees are planted on Le Loi Street, Hung Vuong Street, and Ha Noi Street respectively.”

“For major roads, Hue City Green Park Center previously planted native tree species with large canopies. On smaller streets, small and medium-sized trees, with a mature height of under 15 meters, are prioritized. Meanwhile, the center has arranged small flowering trees in medians to enhance the landscape,” stated Mr. Dang Ngoc Quy. “In addition to planting new trees, the City Green Park Center also gradually replaces and removes trees that have aged, becoming hollow or seriously damaged. However, we do not conduct mass replacements, as we respect the historical and cultural aspects of these trees,” he emphasized.

According to educator Do Xuan Cam, Hue’s vegetation consists of over 300 species, with more than 60 species currently used in the city’s green spaces. The most common trees include red flamboyant, yellow flamboyant, crepe myrtle, and camphor trees. The City Green Park Center is actively researching tree species that are well-suited to the city’s climate and weather conditions. The goal is to identify deep-rooted trees that can withstand natural disasters, while also having beautiful flowers and canopies to enhance the urban landscape.

“One of the tree species we propose for being planted on streets in the future is the ironwood tree due to its deep roots, dense canopy that provides shade, year-round greenery, minimal leaf shedding, and ability to filter dust and reduce noise,” said Mr. Dang Ngoc Quy. “Currently, ironwood trees are being planted along Bui Thi Xuan Street and Ha Noi Street. In the future, we plan to expand their planting and introduce them to more streets across the city.”

Clean, bright and friendly

Returning to Hue after eight years, Ms. Carry, an American, was surprised to see sanitation workers riding bicycles to collect trash along the city’s streets. “Oh, I didn’t expect to see this, and it makes me so happy! Hue has always been a fresh and clean city, but now it’s even more environmentally-friendly when waste collection is conducted via bicycles,” she remarked. Ms. Carry also expressed her joy at seeing Hue become more developed, cleaner, and brighter, while still preserving its peaceful and poetic beauty.

Many other visitors share the same impression, appreciating how Hue maintains its clean environment and fresh air, with its crystal clear rivers serving as a defining feature. This achievement is the result of continuous efforts from both the local government and residents in environmental protection, particularly in waste collection and sanitation.

According to Mr. Tran Huu An, Deputy General Director of Hue Urban Environment and Public Works Joint Stock Company (HEPCO), the company is responsible for maintaining environmental sanitation in Hue City. “In 2024, our company collected waste in 31 wards across the province, with a frequency of once per day in central areas and 2-3 times per week in suburban areas. Our workers regularly collected garbage directly from residents’ homes in alleyways and also swept the streets,” he stated. WWF – Vietnam has recognized Hue as a leading locality in solid waste management. To keep rivers clean and clear, HEPCO also regularly removes water hyacinths and collects floating waste from An Cuu River, the Perfume River, Dong Ba River, and Ngu Ha River, with a frequency of once per week.

During major events such as Hue Festival, HEPCO installs and operates mobile restrooms to serve attendees. The company also undertakes various urban infrastructure projects and beautification efforts, including pavement renovation, drainage improvements, tree planting, and street lighting on Le Duan Street and To Huu Street, as well as decorative lighting for Truong Tien Bridge.

Mr. Tran Quoc Khanh, General Director of HEPCO, affirmed: “Currently, our company is responsible for two types of lighting: public lighting and artistic lighting. Public lighting has now been expanded to every alley and lane in the city, with extended nighttime operation compared to before. Artistic lighting has also been upgraded with modern technology, highlighting key landmarks such as Truong Tien Bridge, Da Vien Bridge, both banks of the Perfume River, and major streets like Le Loi and Le Duan. Additionally, the city collaborates with Hue Monuments Conservation Center to illuminate historical sites at night, especially during major festivals, to attract tourists.”

From a broader perspective, Mr. Cung Trong Cuong, Director of Hue City’s Institute for Research and Development, believes that Hue, as a centrally-governed municipality, still meets the criteria to retain its “National Green City” title. The Institute for Research and Development is preparing to submit an application for Hue to receive the “National Green City” designation as a centrally-governed municipality by 2025. Becoming a centrally-governed municipality would further emphasize sustainable development and environmental protection goals, with the vision of transforming Hue into a city that is modern and dynamic while preserving its signature tranquility and charm.

Story: Dang Trinh