On August 18, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a ceremonial event to officially announce that the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Scenic Landscape Complex has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. This momentous recognition marks Vietnam’s ninth UNESCO World Heritage Site and its first-ever multi-provincial serial nomination to receive such international status.
The Prime Minister commended the extensive and collaborative efforts of the Party Committees, local authorities, and communities from the provinces of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh (formerly Bac Giang), and Hai Phong (formerly Hai Duong). He also acknowledged the crucial contributions from national ministries, central agencies, organizations, and individual experts who were instrumental in developing and defending the nomination dossier.
Source: Collected
Due to the complex geography of the heritage site which includes mountainous terrain, river systems, and historically significant religious structures—the process of compiling a comprehensive and compelling application was particularly challenging. Nevertheless, the dossier was prepared with professionalism, attention to detail, and deep cultural respect, ultimately leading to the site’s successful recognition.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to UNESCO, international partners, and member states for their support in the approval process. He assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the involved provincial governments, to take on the long-term responsibility of preserving, managing, and promoting the site’s outstanding universal values.
A formal ceremony to receive the UNESCO World Heritage Certificate is scheduled for December 2025, and will be held in Quang Ninh Province.
This heritage complex is especially significant for its close association with the Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhist tradition, founded by King Trần Nhân Tông in the 13th century. The interconnected historical and cultural sites reflect Vietnam’s rich spiritual heritage, intellectual legacy, and the enduring influence of Buddhism on the nation’s identity.
Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – Aug 18, 2025
