Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes

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Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes: A Spiritual and Historical Haven in Vietnam

The Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the northern region of Vietnam. Inscribed in 2025, this extensive property encompasses approximately 20 sites spread across diverse landscapes, including forested mountains, lowlands, and river valleys. The heart of the complex lies within the Yen Tu Mountain Range, which served as the residence for the Tran Dynasty during the 13rd and 14th centuries. This site is not only significant historically but also played a pivotal role in shaping the Dai Viet kingdom through the emergence of Truc Lam Buddhism, a unique form of Zen Buddhism that originated in Vietnam.

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The property comprises 20 sites across forested mountains, lowlands, and river valleys. Centred on the Yen Tu Mountain Range, it was home to the Tran Dynasty during the 13th and 14th centuries and the birthplace of Truc Lam Buddhism, a uniquely Vietnamese Zen tradition that shaped the Dai Viet kingdom. The complex includes pagodas, temples, shrines, and archaeological remains tied to religious and historical figures. Strategically located in geologically favourable settings, it remains a vibrant pilgrimage destination.