An event was held in Paris, France, on June 16 to promote the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac complex.

Paintings showcase the landscape of Truc Lam Zen Monastery at the event.

The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu emphasised that the nomination dossier is the result of 13 years of rigorous research, conservation, and close collaboration among heritage experts, scholars, and local authorities from Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, and Hai Duong provinces.

He noted that the complex is not only a historical testament but also embodies profound spiritual values, connecting humanity with nature – a fundamental element of Vietnamese identity.

Vu, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, also underlined that Vietnam has earnestly taken into account feedback and recommendations from the UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), particularly in clarifying the site’s outstanding universal value and its management and conservation efforts.

Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, described the complex as a sacred cultural landscape comprising hundreds of temples, pagodas, stupas, and ancient artefacts, all integrated into a unified spiritual and spatial continuum across the three provinces. She reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to preserving and promoting the site's heritage values.

The complex consists of four clusters of special national historical relics: the Yen Tu historical relic and landscape area (Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh), the Tran Dynasty historical relic area (Dong Trieu township, Quang Ninh), the Western Yen Tu relic and landscape area (Bac Giang), and the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex (Hai Duong).

Numerous relics and landscapes within the complex have been recognised as provincial or national heritage sites, boasting a harmonious blend of natural scenery and architectural works of exceptional value.

In addition to its architectural and scenic significance, the site holds great historical importance as the birthplace of Truc Lam – the Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong (1258–1308). It is also closely associated with the formation and development of the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400).

The influence of Truc Lam Zen has transcended national boundaries, spreading across the region and around the world. Today, Truc Lam Zen counts more than 30 million followers, 50,000 monks and nuns, and 15,000 pagodas in over 30 countries, including the Republic of Korea, India, the US, the UK, and Japan. Notably, France is home to a Truc Lam pagoda, while the US hosts the Tran Nhan Tong Reconciliation Award.

Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Heritage Complex: A trans-provincial heritage of global stature

BAC GIANG - After over two years of preparation, on January 30, 2024, the official nomination dossier for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Heritage Complex, spanning the three northern provinces of Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, and Hai Duong, was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This marks an initial success, with Bac Giang playing a crucial role in preparing the nomination dossier for a trans-provincial heritage of global stature.

Spring pilgrimage to Tay Yen Tu

Bac Giang – Every spring, when the unique yellow apricot blossoms of the Yen Tu mountain bloom, and when the pine, fir, and bamboo forests sway joyfully in the gentle spring breeze, the cultural heritage region of Tay Yen Tu awakens and spreads its beauty, inviting visitors on a journey to attend the spring festivals.

Ancient Tran Dynasty pagodas in Tay Yen Tu hold great values

BAC GIANG - The ancient pagodas in the Tay Yen Tu (western Yen Tu range) region of Bac Giang province are deeply connected to the formation and development of the Tru Lam Buddhist Zen sect during the Tran Dynasty. These pagodas possess significant values that need to be preserved, restored, and promoted in combination with tourism development.

Impressive art program "Sacred Tay Yen Tu"

Impressive art program "Sacred Tay Yen Tu".

Culture-Tourism Week and Tay Yen Tu Spring Festival spreads cultural identities, promotes Bac Giang’s tourism development

BAC GIANG- The provincial People’s Committee of Bac Giang province on the morning of February 9 solemnly held the opening ceremony of the 2025 Culture-Tourism Week and Tay Yen Tu Spring Festival themed "Sacred Tay Yen Tu" at the Tay Yen Tu spiritual- ecotourism complex (Son Dong district).