Built in the 17th century, Phuc Son Pagoda stands as a living cultural relic, now enhanced by an 8-tonne jade Buddha that draws pilgrims year-round.
Perched on Phoenix Mountain in Bac Ninh province, Phuc Son Pagoda is a centuries-old Buddhist sanctuary steeped in history and spirituality. Its most captivating features include a 13-tiered stupa and a one-of-a-kind jade statue of Emperor-Tran-Nhan-Tong, drawing visitors and devotees from across the country. Located in Tan Yen commune, this temple rests in the culturally rich Kinh Bac region. According to historical records, it was first built around 1680, during the Later Le dynasty. As one of the region’s oldest religious sites, Phuc Son Pagoda has borne witness to pivotal moments in Vietnamese history.During the resistance wars against French and American forces, the pagoda served as a meeting ground for guerilla planning, a makeshift clinic, and a place of refuge for both soldiers and civilians. Despite the wear of time and war, and undergoing several restorations, the temple still preserves valuable relics and Buddhist scriptures with deep historical and cultural significance.Venerable Thich Thanh Anh, the abbot of Phuc Son Pagoda, shared that the temple’s centerpiece is its 13-story stupa housing a sacred jade Buddha. Especially notable is the statue of Emperor-Tran-Nhan-Tong, revered as a spiritual monarch in Vietnamese Buddhism. The statue was sculpted from a single block of jadeite sourced from the Cassiar Mountains in Canada and was ceremoniously enshrined in the stupa.“This statue was carved from a pure jadeite block weighing over 8 tonnes. Before its installation at Phuc Son, it was respectfully transported through major pagodas such as Bai Dinh, Yen Tu, Vinh Nghiem, and Phat Tich,” said Venerable Thich Thanh Anh.Depicted in serene meditation, the statue exudes stillness and clarity. Its gently resting hands symbolize mindfulness and unwavering concentration. The entire figure radiates peaceful composure—serene, yet awake.Over the years, Phuc Son Pagoda has become a meaningful pilgrimage site and spiritual home for Buddhists from Bac Ninh and beyond. The temple regularly hosts summer retreats and ethics classes for local youth, fostering both spiritual growth and moral education.In December 2023, the pagoda underwent a significant renovation and was ceremonially rededicated. Nestled on Phoenix Mountain, whose contours resemble a phoenix poised to take flight, the temple is celebrated for its harmonious blend of natural setting and traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.Phuc Son is more than a religious site—it is a cultural and spiritual beacon. The temple not only supports the religious life of its followers but also plays a vital role in promoting spiritual tourism in Bac Ninh province.The main prayer hall, or Tam Bao, reflects centuries of Buddhist devotion and stands as a legacy of Kinh Bac's spiritual and architectural heritage. It has long served as a center for transmitting the teachings of the Buddha throughout different periods of Vietnam’s national history.At night, the pagoda’s architecture shines even more vividly. The illuminated stupa of Phuc Son glows against the mountain backdrop, creating a mystical sight that has become symbolic of the area’s sacred landscape.In May 2025, the temple held a grand ceremony to enshrine relics of the Buddha. The event drew thousands of pilgrims and spiritual seekers, cementing Phuc Son Pagoda’s growing importance in the religious life of northern Vietnam.
Vietnamnet.vn
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