Ninh Binh: Unique historical site "Stone History Book" with 18 Lan Han figures.

As a National Historical and Cultural Monument, Phong Phu Pagoda in Tay Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province, still preserves a collection of rock carvings depicting 18 Arhats, reflecting the artistic style of the Ly and Tran dynasties.

VietnamPlus•27/05/2026

Nestled amidst the sacred rocky landscape of the ancient capital region, the collection of 18 Arhat rock carvings at Phong Phu Pagoda, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province, is considered a unique "stone history book," reflecting the essence of art and spiritual life over many centuries.

In early 2026, this heritage site will be recognized as a national treasure, affirming its exceptional historical, cultural, and artistic value, while also opening up potential for development in conjunction with sustainable tourism development in the locality.

The exquisite beauty on the cliff face.

As a National Historical and Cultural Monument, Phong Phu Pagoda in Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province, still preserves a collection of 18 Arhats carved directly onto the surface of natural rock and cave walls, reflecting the artistic style of the Ly and Tran dynasties.

This is not only a vivid testament to the art of stone carving but also reflects the cultural depth and Buddhist beliefs of the ancient capital region. According to inscriptions on ancient stone steles, Phong Phu Pagoda was built in the 10th century.

Legend has it that this place was once a frontier outpost of the Dinh Dynasty, and also an important center of religious and spiritual activities in the Hoa Lu region.

The most striking feature of this over 1,000-year-old temple is its collection of 18 carved Arhat paintings. Each Arhat painting has a unique appearance and form, showcasing the creativity and refined aesthetic sensibilities of the ancients.

According to the inscription "Kien Gia Binh Ngo year" still preserved at the temple, researchers have determined that these carvings were created in 1246 during the reign of King Tran Thai Tong.

Some details, such as the stone pedestal and wave patterns, still bear the characteristics of the Ly Dynasty art style, showing that Phong Phu Pagoda is a place where the essence of many periods of Dai Viet Buddhist art converges.

What is most unique is that the Arhat paintings are not carved on separate stone tablets but directly onto the cliff face, creating a vibrant "stone history book." Each Arhat painting is a unique space, with different depth and context, reflecting the thinking, philosophy, and aesthetic concepts of the ancients regarding Buddhism.

Researchers believe that the combination of the Arhat imagery with the natural topography of the cliff has created a unique value that cannot be found in any other historical site.

Archaeologist Dao Xuan Ngoc from Hanoi believes that the collection of rock carvings at Phong Phu Pagoda is valuable evidence of stone carving and fine art with a foundation in Ly Dynasty art, but created in the context of the Tran Dynasty.

This represents a remarkable and fascinating transition in terms of chronology, politics, and art between two historical periods. Despite the passage of centuries, the carvings remain remarkably sharp and delicate, demonstrating the masterful skill of the ancient artisans.

Beyond its artistic value, this collection also reflects the profound spiritual life and beliefs of the Vietnamese people during the medieval period. Each Arhat carving represents asceticism, virtue, and wisdom, while also reflecting the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in traditional cultural life.

The combination of natural elements and human ingenuity has created a unique, rare, and irreplaceable heritage.

The collection of rock carvings depicting the 18 Arhats is not only a vivid testament to the art of stone carving but also reflects the depth of culture and Buddhist beliefs of the ancient capital region. (Photo: Thuy Dung/VNA)

With its exceptional historical, artistic, and cultural value, the collection of 18 Arhats at Phong Phu Pagoda has been recognized as a National Treasure, becoming a source of pride for Ninh Binh province and a vivid testament to the rich culture and history of the ancient capital region.

Preserving and promoting heritage values not only contributes to safeguarding traditions but also opens up opportunities for developing cultural tourism, introducing to the public unique and enduring values.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Hoa Lu Ward, said that recognizing the preservation and promotion of national cultural heritage as an important task, linked to raising awareness, pride, and responsibility of the Party committee, government, and people, the ward will gradually effectively exploit the values of historical relics in the coming time, while promoting the image of the unique local heritage.

This activity is linked to the sustainable development of cultural and spiritual tourism, thereby contributing to the promotion of socio-economic development in the area.

Preserving the rare "stone historical record"

Following the official recognition of the 18 Arhat rock carvings as national treasures, the preservation and promotion of the value of this unique heritage is being prioritized by relevant authorities, researchers, and the local community.

Solutions for preserving the artifacts are being implemented comprehensively, focusing on 3D scanning of the entire surface of the woodblock prints to store digital data for research and preservation, and to promote the value of the artifacts; installing surveillance camera systems at key locations; and continuing research to further identify the Han Nom inscriptions and the artistic techniques of the woodblock prints. Simultaneously, temporary protective measures such as fencing in degraded areas are being implemented, contributing to minimizing the risk of damage to the heritage.

The collection of 18 Arhat rock carvings is a unique, rare, and irreplaceable heritage combining natural elements and human craftsmanship. (Photo: Thuy Dung/VNA)

Besides technical solutions, emphasis is also placed on raising public awareness about the value of the 18 Arhat rock carvings.

Specialized agencies coordinate with local authorities and educational institutions to organize field trips and study tours, integrating themed activities on heritage preservation.

This helps people and students better understand the historical and cultural significance of the heritage, thereby raising their sense of responsibility and encouraging them to work together to protect and preserve this precious value.

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Truong, Head of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Culture and Sports, the recognition of the set of 18 Arhat rock paintings as a national treasure is a significant milestone in heritage preservation in Ninh Binh.

Beyond being a source of pride in its cultural and artistic value, this also represents a great responsibility to preserve this heritage intact for future generations.

Beyond simply preserving the current state of the site, Ninh Binh is researching ways to connect heritage values with sustainable cultural tourism development. Tourism exploitation needs to be balanced with preservation, avoiding overcrowding and negative impacts on national treasures and historical sites.

Thematic tour routes, catering to researchers and international visitors, are being designed to minimize direct contact with the woodblock prints, instead focusing on digital experiential models, interactive displays, and heritage presentations using AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) technology.

The value of the 18 Arhat rock paintings also opens up opportunities for international research collaboration, attracting scientific resources from universities and research institutes both domestically and abroad.

This not only helps to enhance understanding of the heritage but also contributes to putting Ninh Binh on the world's cultural heritage map.

With a determination to preserve this rare "stone historical record," Ninh Binh is taking systematic, scientific, and sustainable steps to ensure that the unique value of the Arhat paintings will continue to be preserved and honored in the future.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ninh-binh-doc-dao-di-tich-lich-su-pho-su-da-18-vi-lan-han-post1112616.vnp