UNESCO recognizes Vietnam as the 9th World Heritage Site

Thus, Vietnam has 9 World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO and is the second inter-provincial world heritage of the country, as well as of Quang Ninh province, after the World Natural Heritage of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago.

The complex of relics and scenic spots Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac were recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage Sites according to the criteria (iii) and (vi), which are evidence of the unique combination of state, religion and people in the formation of Vietnamese national identity; along with the sacred landscape formed through regular, close interaction with nature and a moral system based on love for peace, self-cultivation, tolerance, compassion and harmony between people and nature.

In which, the Criteria (iii): The harmonious combination of State, religion and people's community developed from the homeland of Yen Tu mountainous region, has created a unique cultural tradition of global significance, shaping national identity, promoting peace and security in a larger region.

The complex of relics and scenic spots Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac is a special testament to Truc Lam Buddhism, a unique Zen tradition of Vietnam established in the 13th century by the Tran kings, royals and monks, especially King Tran Nhan Tong, the only known monk in Asia, who voluntarily gave up his throne to become a monk, and publicly enlightened a Zen faith imbued with a philosophy of life and Vietnamese roots.

Integrating Dai Duong giao thuyet with the synthesis of Confucianism, Taoism and indigenous beliefs, creating a unique spiritual and philosophical identity, Truc Lam Buddhism has contributed to shaping the spiritual foundation of the Dai Viet nation, creating momentum for the rise of an autonomous and self-reliant country, while promoting cultural dialogue and the spirit of friendship and peace among ethnic groups. For centuries, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac Monuments and Scenes Complex has always played an important role in practicing, passing on, spreading, and creating culture. The spirit of tolerance and creativity of Truc Lam Buddhism has inspired and inspired human values for the domestic and international communities.

Criteria (vi): Truc Lam Buddhism is a globally meaningful testament to the way a religion, originating from many beliefs, originating and developing from the homeland of Yen Tu, has affected world society to promote a strong country, ensuring regional peace and cooperation.

The complex of relics and scenic spots of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac is directly related to the birth and spread of the creative and humane values of Truc Lam Buddhism. The continuous organization of rituals, festivals, celebrations of Buddhism and pilgrimages to relic sites - both in Vietnam and international Truc Lam Buddhist organizations - proves the sustainable global concern of human philosophy, life values, community spirit, living in harmony with nature, loving peace and compassion.

With 12 clusters, relic sites, relic complexes and scenic spots of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac fully demonstrating the Truc Lam Buddhist tradition, from the establishment in the sacred Yen Tu mountain area proven in ancient temples, towers, archaeological relics, to the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda relic and Con Son - Kiep Bac relic site and the systematization of philosophies expressed through related steles, relics and rituals. These relics provide full representations of the history, spirit and geography of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, demonstrating the formation, development process, and sustainable relationships of tangible and intangible cultural values and documentary heritages in historical and cultural spaces.

The complex has a total core area of 525.75 hectares, the total buffer zone area is 4,380.19 hectares. In which, the core area consists of 12 main heritage components, fully reflecting the stages of formation, spread and revival of Truc Lam Zen sect.