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At the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held solemnly in Paris, Vietnam was honored that the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots was officially inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site. This unique heritage site, spanning three provinces and cities – Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong – is a vivid testament to the harmonious blend of majestic nature, a turbulent history, and profound religious values of the nation.
This is Vietnam's ninth UNESCO World Heritage site, and even more remarkably, it's the country's second inter-provincial heritage site, following the success of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago. What sets the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex apart is that it's Vietnam's first chain-like heritage site. This chain structure not only fully reflects the close connection between nature, culture, and religion throughout centuries but also presents a comprehensive picture of the development of Truc Lam Buddhism – a Zen school with a distinct Vietnamese identity.
This is Vietnam's first chain-like heritage site, fully reflecting the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and religion across centuries.
The newly recognized World Heritage site comprises 12 representative historical sites located in three provinces and cities: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Bac Ninh, with a core area of 525.75 hectares and a large buffer zone of 4,380.19 hectares. Notable sites include Thai Mieu Temple, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Ngoa Van Pagoda, and Yen Giang stake field (in Quang Ninh); Kiet Bac Temple, Thanh Mai Pagoda, Kinh Chu Cave, and Nham Duong Pagoda (in Hai Phong); and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and Bo Da Pagoda (in Bac Ninh).
This complex not only reflects the formation, dissemination, and revival of Truc Lam Buddhism – a Zen school founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century – but also demonstrates the close connection between the state, religion, and the community during a specific historical period, contributing to shaping the cultural identity and national spirit. From the sacred Yen Tu, the birthplace of the Zen school, to Vinh Nghiem, where Buddhist scriptures were widely disseminated, and Con Son - Kiet Bac, where the Zen school was revived and flourished, each location is a crucial link in the chain of heritage values.
Originating from the sacred mountain landscape of Yen Tu, Truc Lam Buddhism represents a system of tolerant and harmonious thought, combining elements of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect, primarily developed by members of the Tran dynasty's royal family, is a unique school that harmoniously combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, and indigenous beliefs. According to heritage records, there are currently approximately 30 million followers, 50,000 monks and nuns, and over 15,000 Truc Lam temples in more than 30 countries worldwide, demonstrating the vibrant vitality and widespread influence of this Zen tradition. Even some notable sites, such as the Truc Lam Temple in Paris (France) and the Tran Nhan Tong Peace Prize (USA), are documented, proving the global impact of the Truc Lam Zen sect.
The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac complex was recognized by UNESCO according to two criteria (III) and (VI). Criterion (III) emphasizes the value of the unique cultural tradition that harmoniously combines the State, religion, and the people, formed in the 13th century with Truc Lam Buddhism founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Criterion (VI) recognizes Truc Lam Buddhism as a global example of a philosophical and ethical system that encourages reconciliation, tolerance, and peace, connecting people with nature.
The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiet Bac complex was recognized by UNESCO according to two criteria (III) and (VI).
The inscription of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots is the result of a 13-year journey of dedicated effort. The nomination dossier was meticulously prepared with the participation of hundreds of leading scientists and heritage experts, and the close cooperation of the authorities of the three relevant localities.
During the process of finalizing the dossier, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local authorities continuously incorporated valuable opinions and recommendations from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). These suggestions helped to further clarify the outstanding universal value of the heritage site, as well as the capacity for its management and preservation in accordance with the stringent requirements of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, ensuring that this heritage site will be preserved intact for future generations.
This is Vietnam's ninth World Heritage site and the second inter-provincial World Heritage site, after Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.
Previously, Vietnam proudly possessed eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including: the Complex of Monuments of Hue Imperial City (1993), Ha Long Bay (1994, expanded to Cat Ba Island in 2023), Hoi An Ancient Town (1999), My Son Sanctuary (1999), Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (2003, expanded in 2015), Thang Long Imperial Citadel (2010), Ho Dynasty Citadel (2011), and Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (2014). The addition of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex to this list not only enriches the treasure trove of world heritage but also represents immense pride, affirming Vietnam's position and contribution to the shared cultural heritage of humanity.
