Announcing the outstanding values of the world heritage sites Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac

On the afternoon of August 17, at Truc Lam Yen Tu Palace, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province held a press conference to officially announce the outstanding global value of the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son-Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex.

This is a meaningful event after the Complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by the World Heritage Committee on July 12, 2025.

This recognition is not only the pride of the three provinces of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong city, but also affirms the unique value and global stature of Truc Lam Buddhism.

At the press conference, the Organizing Committee informed about the outstanding global values of the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son-Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscape Complex, which is the first chain-type heritage and the second inter-provincial heritage of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO.

The recognized heritage dossier is the result of a long, persistent journey and close, effective coordination between levels, sectors and localities.

Despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the vast and rugged terrain, the three localities of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Duong (now Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh provinces, Hai Phong city) have closely coordinated.

In particular, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province played a leading role, organizing many seminars and working with agencies and experts.

At the press conference, many reporters were interested in the process of protecting records, as well as the process of preserving, protecting and promoting the value of Heritage in the coming period.

Leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the three provinces and cities shared about the coordination work to implement plans, plans for protection, conservation, promotion strategies to clarify the global value of Heritage, traditional projects, attracting tourists, developing tourism...

5 relics in Quang Ninh in the World Cultural Heritage complex. (Photo: VNA)

Sharing about the arduous 3-month journey to defend the Heritage dossier before the World Heritage Council, Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said that there were many difficulties and concerns, but with great determination, the Vietnamese delegation worked tirelessly, prepared full documents, explained, and answered questions from the Council and experts.

Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet also shared more about the negotiation process with about 20 ambassadors from various countries, who have important voices in protecting the position and role of the sacred Yen Tu mountain range, using documents, historical evidence and cultural values to convince the ambassadors to better understand the stature of Truc Lam Buddhism.

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

This heritage is a special testament to Truc Lam Buddhism, a cultural tradition of global significance founded by the Tran kings and royal family, especially Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, in the 13th century.

This sect has integrated Mahayana Buddhism with Confucianism, Taoist cosmology and indigenous beliefs of the Vietnamese people, creating a tradition that promotes peace, harmony and harmonious coexistence.

UNESCO's recognition not only recognizes a journey of great effort but also affirms a living cultural and spiritual heritage, bringing unique and lasting contributions to the cultural and spiritual heritage of humanity./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cong-bo-gia-tri-noi-bat-cua-di-san-the-gioi-yen-tu-vinh-nghiem-con-son-kiep-bac-post1056239.vnp