On December 20, the sacred and historic complex of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac was officially awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. This prestigious designation affirms the global significance of a uniquely Vietnamese cultural and spiritual heritage that has endured for centuries.

The ceremony was a moment of national pride, celebrating the fruits of years of persistent and coordinated efforts by the provinces of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and the city of Hai Phong. Together, these three localities transcended administrative boundaries to create Vietnam’s first inter-provincial heritage model, meeting UNESCO’s rigorous international standards.

This spirit of unity enabled the creation of a comprehensive heritage dossier and demonstrated a shared commitment to preserving the Truc Lam Zen tradition as a unified cultural entity.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh highlighted the occasion as a historic milestone - the first such recognition since the Trang An Landscape Complex in 2014. With this new inscription, Vietnam now boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. More than a recognition of architectural and scenic values, the award acknowledges the living cultural space where spiritual practices and philosophies are still actively preserved and practiced.

Jonathan Baker, UNESCO’s Chief Representative in Vietnam, also praised the recognition. He described the heritage complex as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Truc Lam Buddhism. According to him, the peaceful, compassionate philosophy that originated from Yen Tu’s sacred peaks has shaped Vietnamese cultural identity and continues to inspire people worldwide.

The UNESCO-listed sites include key clusters representing the Truc Lam Buddhist tradition. In Quang Ninh, these include the Yen Tu complex with famous landmarks such as Dong Pagoda, Hue Quang Stupa, and Hoa Yen Pagoda, as well as the Tran Dynasty relics in Dong Trieu, including Thai Mieu and Ngoa Van Pagoda. Bac Ninh is home to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the founding temple of the Truc Lam school, known for its invaluable woodblock archives. Meanwhile, Hai Phong features the Con Son - Kiep Bac complex and Thanh Mai Pagoda.

The scenic beauty of Con Son - Kiep Bac and Thanh Mai Pagoda has long been central to spiritual tourism in the region. In the wake of the heritage recognition, Hai Phong has committed to restoring and upgrading these sites to ensure they become a lasting source of community pride and a driver of local socio-economic development.

Thu Hang