The ceremony to receive the certificate recognizing the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of historical relics and scenic landscapes as a world cultural heritage site will be held at 8pm on December 20, 2025, at Minh Tam Square, Yen Tu Ward, Quang Ninh province, with an expected attendance of approximately 15,000 participants.
Jointly organized by Quang Ninh province, Bac Ninh province, and Hai Phong city, the ceremony represents a moment of shared pride and responsibility for Viet Nam, while also serving as an opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage as a common asset of humanity, in line with the values and principles of UNESCO.
The event constitutes a central highlight within a broader series of commemorative activities marking the 717th anniversary of the Nirvana of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, as well as celebrating the official inscription of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex on the world heritage list.
Distinguished domestic guests invited to the ceremony include leaders of the Party and the State, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, leaders of relevant ministries and agencies, members of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO, representatives of national research institutions, and senior dignitaries of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha.
International participants are expected to include senior representatives of UNESCO and its advisory bodies, ambassadors of member states of the World Heritage Committee, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Viet Nam, representatives of international organizations, and officials of the UNESCO Office in Viet Nam. Their presence underscores the spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility in the protection of cultural heritage worldwide.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on VTV4 and VTVGo, and relayed by radio and television stations nationwide, contributing to the broad dissemination of the heritage’s values to domestic and international audiences.
Over the past years, particularly during the 2020-2025 period, the authorities and communities of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong have worked in close coordination to prepare a comprehensive and scientifically grounded nomination dossier. This collaborative process reflects Viet Nam’s consistent efforts to align heritage conservation with sustainable development and international standards.
On July 12, 2025, at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, French Republic, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, spanning the three localities of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong was officially inscribed as a world cultural heritage site.
The heritage complex is intrinsically linked to the formation and development of the Truc Lam Zen School, a uniquely Vietnamese Buddhist tradition founded and nurtured by the Vietnamese people. Through a system of sacred landscapes, pagodas, hermitages, pilgrimage routes, inscriptions, and woodblocks, the site bears outstanding testimony to the interaction between spirituality, governance, and community life across different historical periods.
UNESCO’s recognition affirms the site as an exceptional example of the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, as well as the enduring values of peace, tolerance, compassion, and self-cultivation. As a living cultural and spiritual center, the complex continues to inspire communities in Viet Nam and beyond, contributing meaningfully to intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
The inscription not only acknowledges the Outstanding Universal Value of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, but also serves as a catalyst for enhanced inter-provincial cooperation in heritage management, conservation, and sustainable use. It is expected to foster cultural tourism, creative industries, and heritage-based development, thereby supporting Viet Nam’s long-term vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.
