Unique spring festival: "Opening the gates of heaven" on the summit of Fansipan.

(NLĐO) - The "Opening of the Heavenly Gate" ceremony on the summit of Fansipan is a unique spiritual ritual that attracts a large number of locals and tourists every spring.

On February 19th (the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse 2026), the "Opening the Heavenly Gate" Spring Festival 2026 officially opened at Fansipan (Sa Pa, Lao Cai ), attracting thousands of visitors from all over to pray for peace and experience a series of unique local festivals.

Amidst the vast expanse of white clouds and the towering mountains of Northwest Vietnam, the "opening of the gates of heaven" ceremony at the summit of Fansipan has long become a unique spiritual ritual, attracting numerous tourists and Buddhists every spring. More than just a cultural and religious activity, this ceremony also embodies the aspiration for a prosperous and peaceful new year in the sacred land of Heaven and Earth.

The ceremony included offering flowers, bathing the Buddha statue, and chanting prayers for national peace and prosperity. (Photo: SG)

In a solemn atmosphere, visitors respectfully perform the rituals of offering flowers, bathing the Buddha statue, and chanting prayers for national peace and prosperity, and for a new year filled with good fortune and success.

The main attraction for tourists at the "Opening the Heavenly Gate 2026" Spring Festival is Bản Mây, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Northwest Vietnam with a series of elaborately recreated traditional festivals.

Locals and tourists alike immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere. Photo: SG

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The Gàu Tào Festival of the Hmong people (from the 3rd to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year) kicks off a series of festivities with the unique ritual of erecting a ceremonial pole and solemn prayers for a bountiful harvest. At the festival, besides admiring the majestic nature, locals and tourists can immerse themselves in folk games filled with laughter, such as blindfolded duck catching, stilt walking, or climbing a greasy pole…

Participate in traditional folk games. (Photo: SG)

Furthermore, during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, visitors to Fansipan will have the opportunity to enjoy the Flag Raising Ceremony, which will last from February 19th to 22nd, 2026, marking the beginning of the new year with pride and sacredness on the "Roof of Indochina".

Flag-raising ceremony on the "roof of Indochina". Photo: SG

Following the Gau Tao Festival, the Xen Ban Xen Muong Festival of the Thai people will take place from February 28th to March 1st, 2026, opening up a colorful festive atmosphere with a reenactment of the ritual where the shaman respectfully offers gifts to thank the river and mountain gods and prays for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.

The unique aspect of the "Heaven's Gate Opening Ceremony" at Fansipan lies not only in its spiritual significance but also in its setting, a place known as "the closest place to heaven in Vietnam." At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, amidst mountain winds and endless clouds, every sound and color becomes sacred and distinct. Visitors come here not only to participate in the ceremony but also to experience the feeling of standing amidst a sea of ​​clouds, listening to the rhythm of the Northwest mountains and forests.

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Fansipan, home to the giant Amitabha Buddha statue and a complex of sacred temples, is located at an altitude ranging from 2,900 m to 3,143 m. Photo: SG

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the opening of the "Heaven's Gate" ceremony at Fansipan becomes a spiritual anchor, a place where people find peace. The uniqueness of the ceremony lies not only in its form but also in its cultural and spiritual depth, connecting tradition with the majestic natural landscape. In the moment the "Heaven's Gate" opens amidst the swirling white clouds, each person also opens a new door for themselves, a door of faith, hope, and a complete start to the new year.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/doc-dao-hoi-xuan-mo-cong-troi-tren-dinh-fansipan-196260220093126.htm