From the revitalization of the landscape and changes in management to a vision of international linkage and integration, heritage sites are not only "awakened" in appearance but also given a new mission: Preserving the spirit of the past within the rhythm of future development.

The spirit of Truc Lam opens the way.

The most noticeable change in heritage sites after they are recognized is the transformation in their appearance. This is not just about the growth in numbers, but first and foremost about the revival of the landscape and cultural spaces that were once deeply ingrained in the community's memory.

Returning to Hai Phong now, we see the Con Son stream, which had long been dry with its bed of exposed rocks, now boasting numerous waterfalls and rapids, creating a picturesque landscape. The Management Board of the historical site has undertaken renovations, dredging mud and sand, planting trees, and restoring vegetation along both banks. According to many elderly residents, the stream's appearance today almost perfectly replicates its state from half a century ago. Comrade Nguyen Minh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People's Committee, affirmed the determination to restore the "soul of Con Son," so that visitors can experience the space that Nguyen Trai once likened to "the sound of a zither." Restoring the stream is not only about beautifying the landscape but also about restoring the cultural depth of the land.

Art performances at the opening ceremony of the Yen Tu Spring Festival 2026.

Not stopping at Con Son stream, the entire Con Son-Kiep Bac historical site has undergone comprehensive renovation: expanding and upgrading transportation infrastructure, improving facilities... Many returning tourists are amazed by the changes in roads and landscape. Notably, the Kiep Bac historical site preservation and restoration project includes a plan to restore part of the residence of Hung Dao Dai Vuong. Scientific documents are also being digitized, serving as the basis for building a technology-based projection model for tours, helping the historical site not only to be "seen" but also "understood in depth". Comrade Le Duy Manh, Deputy Head of the Con Son-Kiep Bac Relic Management Board, said: “Since being recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the number of visitors to the relics has increased significantly. From the 8th lunar month to the end of 2025 alone, we have welcomed more than 50,000 visitors. Hai Phong is also upgrading three tourist tours, aiming to organize night tours, promoting digital technology... in order to effectively exploit the outstanding value of the heritage and enhance the visitor experience.”

Quang Ninh province has designated 2026 as the year of Yen Tu tourism. Activities are being organized on a larger scale, with visitor numbers at destinations within the heritage complex increasing by 70% to over 100%. Yen Tu itself recorded a record number of visitors in a single day, with an increase of up to 200%. At Legacy Yen Tu, in addition to pilgrimage and worship, visitors can participate in yoga, meditation, enjoy healthy cuisine, experience making traditional hats, and wear traditional costumes. Approximately 30 activities are organized throughout the day, creating a multi-layered cultural ecosystem. Sharing with us a wedding held at Yen Tu where the groom was a foreigner and the bride was Vietnamese, Mr. Le Trong Thanh, Deputy Director of Tung Lam Development Joint Stock Company (Yen Tu), said: “Seeing pictures of our foreign friends dressed in traditional ao dai at Legacy Yen Tu, we are very happy and proud. When Yen Tu became a world heritage site, our products and cultural values ​​were further disseminated and had the opportunity to connect with other heritage sites. We have recorded that tourists from 35 countries and territories have stayed at Legacy Yen Tu and Lang Nuong. Our goal for 2026 is to attract not only tourists from traditional countries like South Korea and Japan, but also Muslim tourists and European and American tourists who greatly appreciate local heritage and cultural values.”

According to Mr. Phung Phu Thuong, Director of Administration and Human Resources at Ngoa Van Yen Tu Tourism and Culture Joint Stock Company, the UNESCO title has contributed to a change in the company's internal culture to better serve tourists. From greeting visitors to providing services, every employee must have a thorough understanding of the culture, history, and heritage.

New stature, new responsibility.

When submitted to UNESCO, the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son-Kiep Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots was the first Vietnamese dossier developed as a chain heritage site. The sites are spread across multiple provinces, encompassing diverse hills, mountains, rivers, and streams, requiring close coordination between Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Bac Ninh provinces. This collaborative model not only ensures compliance with UNESCO's international standards and requirements but also reflects a shared vision for preserving and promoting the value of the heritage.

At a deeper ideological level, the community is closely associated with the Truc Lam Buddhist sect founded by Tran Nhan Tong. Venerable Thich Dao Hien, a member of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh province, stated: “The ideology of ‘Living in the world and finding joy in the Dharma’ and the spirit of ‘Three Harmonies’ (reconciliation, harmony, and peace) emphasize resolving inner conflicts, harmonizing religious and secular life, and interreligious relations, along with the aspiration to create lasting peace. These values ​​remain relevant in building a peaceful society today.”

Based on that foundation, the three localities agreed to develop inter-provincial tours following the Truc Lam Buddhist route. Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung stated that Hai Phong is implementing projects to develop physical education, sports, and tourism, strengthening cultural coordination with commerce and services. From a business perspective, Mr. Le Trong Thanh informed that his unit is collaborating on developing heritage tours connecting Yen Tu with Vinh Nghiem (Bac Ninh) and Con Son-Kiep Bac, aiming for a complete experiential journey for tourists.

Mr. Mai Vu Tuan, Head of the Management Board of the Ha Long Bay-Yen Tu World Heritage Site, said: “When becoming a World Heritage site, pride comes with greater responsibility, which is participating in the global ‘game.’ Management requires an international vision and mindset. Therefore, the preservation, exploitation, and promotion of the heritage site are not only within the national scope, but we must also work together to solve common global issues.”

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/giu-hon-xua-mo-duong-tuong-lai-1028656