The ceremony to receive the World Cultural Heritage certificate took place in Yen Tu in December.

Pilgrimage to the sacred Yen Tu mountain - one of the main components of the World Cultural Heritage. Photo: Nguyen Hung

Mr. Tran Viet Dung - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province - said that the ceremony to receive the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage certificate for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son and Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscape Complex is expected to be held on December 20, 2025 at the Yen Tu National Forest and Relic Site, Yen Tu Ward, Quang Ninh Province.

Currently, the UNESCO recognition certificate has been sent to Vietnam and the three relevant localities, including Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh , are actively coordinating to prepare for the ceremony.

The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son and Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage on July 12, 2025.

This is also the 9th world heritage of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO and the second inter-provincial world heritage of the country, as well as of Quang Ninh province, after the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago.

The second World Natural Heritage title of Ha Long Bay. Photo: Nguyen Hung

The complex of relics and landscapes of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage according to criteria (iii) and (vi), as evidence for the unique combination between the state, religion and people in forming the Vietnamese national identity; along with the sacred landscape formed through frequent and close interactions with nature and an ethical system based on love of peace, self-cultivation, tolerance, kindness and harmony between humans and nature.

In which, criterion (iii): Is the harmonious combination between the State, religion and the people's community developed from the homeland of Yen Tu mountain, has created a unique cultural tradition of global significance, shaping national identity, promoting peace and security in the wider region.

Criterion (vi): Truc Lam Buddhism is a globally significant example of how a religion, originating from many beliefs, originating and developing in the homeland of Yen Tu, has influenced secular society to promote a strong nation, ensuring peace and regional cooperation.

With 12 clusters and relic sites, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex fully demonstrates the Truc Lam Buddhist tradition, from its establishment in the sacred Yen Tu mountain area as evidenced by ancient temples, shrines, towers, archaeological relics, to the Vinh Nghiem pagoda relic and the Con Son - Kiep Bac relic site and the systematization of philosophies expressed through steles, related relics and ritual practices.

These relics provide a full representation of the history, spirit and geography of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, demonstrating the formation and development process, the sustainable relationship of tangible and intangible cultural values and documentary heritage in historical and cultural spaces.

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/tin-tuc/le-don-nhan-bang-di-san-van-hoa-the-gioi-dien-ra-tai-yen-tu-vao-thang-12-1595923.html