Discovering Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape complex

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with the National UNESCO Committee, has recently prepared a report nominating the inclusion of the Yen Tu Complex on the list of those planned to have world heritage dossiers to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 2

The complex is comprised of four clusters of special national historical relics, namely the Yen Tu historical relic and landscape area in Uong Bi city of Quang Ninh, the Tran Dynasty historical relic area in Dong Trieu town of Quang Ninh, the Western Yen Tu relic and landscape area in Bac Giang province, and the Con Son - Kiep Bac - Thanh Mai complex in Hai Duong province.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 3

The complex also holds great historical significance as it is the birthplace of the Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong (1258 - 1308).

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 4

Situated about five kilometres from the Con Son Pagoda stands the Kiep Bac Temple, which is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao - one of the most accomplished commanders in the nation’s history. Tran Hung Dao commanded the country’s army to repel three Yuan-Mongol invasions in the 13th century. He is honoured as a saint in Vietnam.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 5

Yen Tu has won recognition as the Buddhist centre of Vietnam following the third National Buddhist Congress held in Hanoi in November 1992.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 6

In addition, Yen Tu Mountain is also home to a large number of rare fauna and flora species which cannot be found anywhere else in Vietnam.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 7

Other landmarks include the Jade Tower complex and the Ancient Huệ Quang Garden of 64 towers. The signature tower in the garden is the largest site dedicated to the founding monk, Tran Nhan Tong.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 8

Bronze Pagoda on top of Mount Yen Tu resembles a blooming lotus rising from a dais which is also made of bronze. In recent years, lucky visitors have been able to capture the lotus covered in snow, creating a beautiful scene.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 9

For pilgrims, the journey walking up the mountain top may be even more fulfilling than the quick ride to get there through the modern cable car system.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 10

Woodblocks at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of Vietnam's priceless cultural treasures. It comprises 3,050 wooden boards inscribed with Chinese and Nom characters crafted between the 17th and early 20th centuries. The woodblocks include Buddhist scriptures and instructions for traditional medicine practices.

discovering yen tu monuments and landscape complex picture 11

For many people, the beauty of Yen Tu lies in the magnificence of mountains, the solemnity of pagodas and towers, the beauty of its scenic spots, as well as the diversity of plants.