On the evening of December 20, the provinces of Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh, together with the city of Hai Phong, held a joint ceremony to receive UNESCO’s official certification of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex as a World Cultural Heritage site.

The recognition ceremony took place at Minh Tam Square in Yen Tu Ward. The event was part of a series of commemorations marking the 717th anniversary of the passing of King Tran Nhan Tong, founder of the Truc Lam Zen sect.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized the need to further protect and promote the site’s outstanding universal values. He directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, to implement key strategies for managing the heritage complex.

Coordinated effort to preserve spiritual legacy

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to play its role as the lead government agency overseeing cultural heritage, and will guide the three localities in executing five strategic directives previously laid out by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

These directives were originally issued during the August 2025 event that announced the complex’s outstanding universal value, held at the heritage site itself.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh further stressed the importance of inter-provincial coordination among Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong. He called for regular and effective collaboration, rooted in shared responsibility, to fully implement the recommendations of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee made during its 47th session.

A major focus of the strategy is strengthening the role of local communities in preserving and spreading the spiritual and cultural values of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.

Vietnam’s rising global heritage profile

With this new designation, Vietnam now has six cultural, two natural, and one mixed heritage site recognized by UNESCO.

In addition, 17 intangible cultural heritages and 11 documentary heritages from Vietnam have also been officially listed.

This growing list is a testament to the country’s dedication to safeguarding its rich cultural legacy for future generations.