Authorities of Quang Ninh province, Hai Phong city, and Bac Ninh province held a ceremony on December 20 to receive UNESCO’s certificate recognising the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex as a world cultural heritage site.

Jonathan Baker, UNESCO’s Chief Representative in Vietnam, presents a certificate recognising the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac complex of monuments and scenic landscapes as a World Cultural Heritage site to leader of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The event coincided with commemorations marking the 717th anniversary of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong’s attainment of Nirvana (1308–2025).

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.

It harmoniously combines tangible and intangible heritage with majestic natural landscapes and the country’s rich spiritual life.

A special art programme is staged at the ceremony marking the presentation of UNESCO’s certificate recognising the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac complex of monuments and scenic landscapes as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Baker emphasised that the complex is an exceptional testament to the legacy of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhism – “a living heritage” that continues to play a vibrant role in Vietnam’s spiritual and cultural life.

This is Vietnam’s first serial heritage nomination, linking multiple heritage sites across three localities: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Bac Ninh. Its recognition demonstrates effective inter-provincial coordination and management in line with UNESCO standards, making it Vietnam’s 9th world heritage site since Trang An was listed in 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh stressed that the UNESCO recognition is both an honour and a major responsibility in the preservation work.

He affirmed the Government’s commitment to preserving the heritage’s integrity and authenticity, ensuring comprehensive management connected with sustainable socio-economic development, promoting community participation in heritage preservation, linking conservation with sustainable tourism, and improving local residents' life quality.

He requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the three localities to closely coordinate, effectively implement UNESCO recommendations, and safeguard the core spiritual values of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.

Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presented the UNESCO recognition certificates to leaders of the three provinces and city of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Bac Ninh.

Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Bui Van Khang affirmed their determination to manage the heritage in line with international conventions, preserving its outstanding values and enhancing its global appeal.

With deep pride and responsibility, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong pledged to ensure the complex continues to shine as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Vietnam and an attractive destination that inspires peace, humanity, and wisdom, he added.

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.

 

Three new tours to explore Con Son - Kiep Bac world heritage

On the occasion of the 2025 Con Son - Kiep Bac Autumn Festival, the Relic Management Board has introduced three new tours associated with historical relics and scenic spots recently recognized by UNESCO as world heritage.

 

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.

 

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.

Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Scenic Landscape Complex recognised as World Heritage

Vietnam’s Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Scenic Landscape Complex has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held recently in France. This marks Vietnam’s 9th World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO and the second trans-provincial heritage site, following Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (which spans Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City).