Vietnam has officially added its ninth site to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List: the Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Complex of Monuments and Landscapes. Recognized at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 12, 2025, this trans-provincial cultural heritage site highlights the profound historical and spiritual significance of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism, established by King Trần Nhân Tông in the 13th century. The inscription underscores Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry and its deep-rooted connection between state, religion, and the people, while marking another significant achievement in the nation's efforts to preserve and promote its heritage.
A Legacy Etched in Landscape and Spirituality
Vietnam's rich history and diverse landscapes continue to gain international recognition, with the latest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List further solidifying its cultural standing. The Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Complex of Monuments and Landscapes was formally inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on July 12, 2025, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee.
This complex, sprawling across parts of Quảng Ninh and Bắc Ninh provinces, and Hải Phòng City, is a testament to the enduring influence of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism. Founded by the revered King Trần Nhân Tông in the 13th century, this unique Vietnamese Buddhist sect played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's spiritual and cultural identity, fostering a harmony between humanity and nature, and promoting an ethical system rooted in peace, self-cultivation, tolerance, and compassion.
A Trans-Provincial Tapestry of History and Faith
The Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Complex is Vietnam's ninth World Heritage Site and its second trans-provincial heritage site, following the Hạ Long Bay - Cát Bà Archipelago. It comprises 12 distinct locations, with a core area spanning 525.75 hectares and a buffer zone of 4,380.19 hectares. Each component of the complex holds immense historical and spiritual value:
Yên Tử Mountain: A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, home to numerous pagodas and hermitages, including Đồng Pagoda at its summit. It was here that King Trần Nhân Tông, after abdicating his throne, practiced and established Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism.
Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda: Located in Bắc Giang province, this ancient pagoda dates back to the Lý Dynasty and is considered the "first patriarchal temple" of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism, serving as a crucial center for scripture preservation and monastic training.
Côn Sơn and Kiếp Bạc: These sites in Hải Dương province are closely associated with national heroes and cultural figures, particularly Trần Hưng Đạo, a military general renowned for his victories against Mongol invasions, and the Tran Dynasty's deep connection to Buddhism.
The complex is celebrated for its unique combination of state, religion, and the people, exemplifying how these elements converged to forge a distinctive Vietnamese national identity. Its sacred landscape, shaped by centuries of close interaction with nature, reflects profound philosophical and ethical values.
A Decade of Diligent Nomination Efforts
The recognition of the Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Complex is the culmination of meticulous and systematic efforts spanning over a decade. Vietnamese experts and authorities from Quảng Ninh, Bắc Ninh, and Hải Dương provinces collaborated closely, developing a comprehensive nomination dossier that highlighted the complex's outstanding universal value. The support from Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, who sent letters to UNESCO's Director-General and the World Heritage Committee member countries, further underscored Vietnam's commitment to this nomination.
This new inscription not only celebrates a significant chapter in Vietnamese history and spirituality but also reinforces Vietnam's position as a nation rich in cultural and natural heritage, dedicated to its preservation for future generations and the global community.