Recorded in the past weekends, pilgrims flocked to But Thap Pagoda in Tri Qua ward, Bac Ninh province in large numbers. Groups of tourists lined up to offer incense and sightsee, creating a bustling spring travel scene.
Mr. Khoa Hung, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "My family always chooses pagodas near the Capital to go to temples at the beginning of the year. Coming to But Thap Pagoda, I am not only impressed by the large number of visitors but also by the convenience of traveling. From here, we can easily continue the journey to Dau Pagoda, Phat Tich Pagoda or Kinh Duong Vuong mausoleum.
Not only coming to pray for peace, visitors are also fascinated by the beauty of the ancient architecture and the priceless national treasures of this ancient temple.
But Thap Pagoda (literally Ninh Phuc Tu) was started from the Tran Dynasty and rebuilt on a large scale in the 17th century under Le Trung Hung. This is one of the few ancient pagodas in Vietnam that still retains its original domestic and foreign architecture.
On an area of about 10,000m2, the works are arranged symmetrically and tightly from Tam Quan, bell tower to Tien Duong, Thuong Dien and Hau Duong.
The harmonious combination of bricks, wood, stone materials and the wonderful integration with nature helped But Thap Pagoda be recognized as a Special National Relic in 2012.
The biggest attraction of But Thap Pagoda is the massive system of Buddha statues, especially the 4 groups of Priceless National Treasures. The most prominent is the thousand-eyed and thousand-handed Quan Am Buddha statue, a masterpiece sculpted from the 17th century. Besides, the three national treasures of the Three Worlds, the Nine Lotus Palace and the Stone Incense Table are also unique heritages that visitors should not miss the opportunity to admire.
In recent years, But Thap Pagoda has become an important highlight in the spiritual tourism journey of Bac Ninh province. Not only bustling in spring, the pagoda also organizes traditional festivals on the 23rd and 24th of the 3rd lunar month every year with many unique folk activities.
