The event began with a drum performance themed “heroic spirit of the sacred land” and a lively dragon dance performance, creating both holy and vibrant space and leaving deep impression on the delegates, locals and tourists.

The delegates and local people attend the ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tan An ward Duong Van Duc stressed Vinh Nghiem pagoda has been honoured as the holy land of Vietnamese Buddhism, where was associated with the great career of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong, the wise king of the nation, who renounced the throne to become a monk and founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, deeply imbued with Vietnamese identity.

Traditional rituals performed at the festival.

This is not only a place to preach the Buddhist philosophy but also a place where cultural quintessence of the nation converges.

Throughout the history, Vinh Nghiem pagoda has served as a center for monastic practice, monk and nun training, preserving invaluable Buddhist scriptures as well as cultivating and disseminating profound ethical and humanistic values.

Drum performance and lion-dragon dance open the festival.

The philosophy of the Truc Lam Zen sect, founded by Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong, has significantly contributed to shaping the ideological, cultural and moral foundations of Vietnamese society over centuries.

Especially, the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem- Con Son, Kiep Bac complex of monuments and landscapes was recognised by UNESCO as the world heritage on July 12, 2025.

Vinh Nghiem pagoda festival takes place annually from Lunar February 12 to 14 to commemorate and pay tribute to great contributions of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong and other patriarchs who discovered the new sacred land, construct the pagoda and disseminate the Dharma.

Secretary of the Party Committee of Tan An ward Dao Cong Hung beated the drum to kick off the festival and open the series of activities within the 2026 festival.

Singer Tung Duong performs at the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, the delegates, locals and tourists enjoyed an art programme titled “Vinh Nghiem, the shining holy land”.

According to the Organising Board, this year’s festival is bigger in scale. Apart from the traditional rituals and special art performances, a series of cultural and sport exchange activities, a showcase of signature products and recreation of rural market contributed to promoting the land and people of Tan An to visitors.

Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex receives UNESCO certificate

The complex is assessed as a unified and interconnected heritage space that fully reflects the formation, development and far-reaching influence of Vietnam’s unique cultural and spiritual values.

 

Moments of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac heritage

BAC NINH - To promote the unique cultural values of the newly recognised Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac World Heritage complex and to showcase the landscape and people of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong, Bac Ninh Newspaper, Radio & Television Station partnered with media agencies in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to launch the photo contest “Moments of Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac heritage”. 

Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac photo contest launched

The contest aims to promote the unique beauty associated with the preservation and enhancement of the values of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac world heritage complex.

 

PM attends ceremony announcing UNESCO World Heritage status for Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex

The Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex is the 9th world heritage of Vietnam and the second inter-provincial world heritage, after Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city.

 

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda: a timeless sanctuary of Truc Lam Buddhist Zen sect

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, also known for its breathtaking architecture and rich history, draws visitors who seek both exploration and worship. It is part of the massive Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac complex that has recently been recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.

 

Bac Ninh promotes value of Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac heritage complex

BAC NINH - The Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex has officially been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List, marking Vietnam’s ninth world heritage site. Two of the 12 component sites recognised within the heritage complex are located in Bac Ninh province: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and Bo Da Pagoda.