UNESCO Recognises Yên Tử–Vĩnh Nghiêm–Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc as Việtnam’s 9th World Heritage Site

Quảng Nin, The Gulf Observer: Authorities from three northern localities of Việtnam — Quảng Ninh Province, Hải Phòng City and Bắc Ninh Province — on December 20 held a ceremony to receive UNESCO’s certificate recognising the Yên Tử–Vĩnh Nghiêm–Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc relic and landscape complex as a World Cultural Heritage site.

The ceremony coincided with commemorative activities marking the 717th anniversary of King-Monk Trần Nhân Tông’s attainment of Nirvana (1308–2025), underscoring the profound historical and spiritual significance of the heritage complex.

The Yên Tử–Vĩnh Nghiêm–Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc complex has been assessed as a unified and interconnected heritage space that fully reflects the formation, development and far-reaching influence of Việtnam’s distinctive cultural and spiritual values. The site harmoniously integrates tangible and intangible heritage with majestic natural landscapes, embodying the country’s rich spiritual life.

Addressing the ceremony, UNESCO Representative to Việt Nam Jonathan Baker said the complex stands as an exceptional testament to the legacy of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism, describing it as a “living heritage” that continues to play a vibrant role in Việt Nam’s spiritual and cultural life.

This inscription marks Việtnam’s first serial heritage nomination, linking multiple heritage sites across three northern localities. The recognition highlights effective inter-provincial coordination and heritage management in line with UNESCO standards, and brings the total number of Việtnam’s World Heritage sites to nine since Tràng An was listed in 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Văn Chính stated that the UNESCO recognition is both a great honour and a significant responsibility. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to preserving the integrity and authenticity of the heritage, ensuring comprehensive and effective management aligned with sustainable socio-economic development. He also emphasised the importance of promoting community participation in heritage preservation, linking conservation with sustainable tourism, and improving the quality of life for local residents.

The Deputy Prime Minister called on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the three localities, to closely coordinate in implementing UNESCO’s recommendations and safeguarding the core spiritual values of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism.

Chairman of the Quảng Ninh provincial People’s Committee Bùi Văn Khang affirmed the determination of the local authorities to manage the heritage in accordance with international conventions, preserve its outstanding values, and enhance its global profile.

Expressing pride and a strong sense of responsibility, leaders of Quảng Ninh, Bắc Ninh and Hải Phòng pledged to work together to ensure the heritage complex continues to shine as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Việt Nam and as an attractive destination that inspires peace, humanity and wisdom.