Panoramic view of the Tam Chúc Scenic Landscape Complex.
The Tam Chuc Scenic Landscape Complex is located in Tam Chuc Ward, Ninh Binh Province, about 4 km from the Huong Pagoda Complex. This area boasts a tropical humid limestone karst landscape with outstanding geological significance, similar to Trang An. The topography, developed over more than 5 million years, has created a pristine and magnificent landscape with outstanding aesthetic values – a harmonious blend of towering mountains and cliffs, covered by forests, basins, caves, and underground streams. The complex also represents ecological and biological processes, serving as the habitat of the white-buttocked langur, one of the world's rarest primate species, with a population exceeding 400 individuals.
Furthermore, archaeological studies indicate that Tam Chúc was inhabited by ancient Vietnamese people, influenced by the Hòa Bình culture 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Excavations at Doi 4 cave uncovered a double burial site with the deceased lying in a fetal position, dating back approximately 10,000 years. This is one of the 10 earliest Hòa Bình cultural relics in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This area also preserves traces of the formation and development of Buddhism, particularly associated with Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong during the Ly Dynasty and Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.
Co Le Pagoda
Co Le Pagoda, also known as Than Quang Temple, is located in Co Le commune, Ninh Binh province. It was originally built during the Ly Dynasty (12th century) and is associated with the contributions of the revered founder Nguyen Minh Khong. However, the current structure is the work of Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen, who constructed it in the early 20th century.
The unique feature of this pagoda is its distinctive architectural style, harmoniously blending traditional Eastern architecture with Western Gothic architecture, reflecting the fusion of Buddhism and Christianity. Co Le Pagoda is also a place of worship for the father and son, Dr. Dao Toan Ban and Scholar Dao Su Tich, who contributed to the development of their homeland and laid the foundation for the region's tradition of scholarship. The Co Le Pagoda Festival takes place from the 13th to the 16th of September in the lunar calendar each year to commemorate the birthday of the revered founder Nguyen Minh Khong. Despite numerous historical events, the structure has been preserved almost in its original state, becoming an extremely rare masterpiece of East-West architecture.
The ranking of these two sites not only affirms the unique cultural, historical, and architectural values of the relics but also opens up many opportunities for preserving and promoting heritage values and developing sustainable tourism in the locality.
With the two newly recognized sites, Ninh Binh province now boasts 10 special national historical sites.
Text and photos: Nguyen Luu - Ngoc Linh
Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/ninh-binh-them-2-di-tich-duoc-cong-nhan-la-di-tich-quoc-gia-dac-biet-rdd08a-250911162353924.html
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