UNESCO recognized five heritage sites in Hai Phong

Kiep Bac Temple, Thanh Mai Pagoda, Nham Duong Pagoda, Kinh Chu Cave, and Con Son Pagoda are among the specific sites. These locations not only preserve thousands of years of memory but also provide vivid evidence of a distinctive cultural tradition with global significance. This led to an irrefutable nomination that completely satisfied two of the core UNESCO criteria: (iii) and (vi).

Initially, the Con Son - Kiep Bac complex, despite its two distinct locations, is intricately connected to the most significant figures of the Tran Dynasty. The Con Son Pagoda, also referred to as "Con Son Thien Tu Phuc Tu," is not merely an ancient pagoda; it served as a hub for the education and Buddhist propagation of the Truc Lam Zen sect. The site was the site of the practice and instruction of all three Truc Lam Patriarchs: Tran Nhan Tong, Phap Loa, and Huyen Quang. Con Son became a magnificent scenic landmark as the final resting place of the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang and as a result of the restoration efforts of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa in 1329.

The value of Con Son is not only rooted in the glorious history of the Tran Dynasty, but also in each of the bricks and stones. Venerable Huyen Quang's foundation of the Cuu Pham Lien Hoa has been the subject of archaeological excavations, which have uncovered layers of antiquities from the Tran to Nguyen Dynasties. National treasures such as the "Thanh Hu Dong" stele, which bears the calligraphy of King Tran Nghe Tong, the "Con Son Tu Phuc Tu Bi" stele, and the 17th-century Tam The Phat (Three Buddhas) statues are "stone and wood chronicles" that recount the pagoda's centuries-old history. The Con Son Spring Festival annually re-creates a profound spiritual atmosphere, a national intangible heritage, showing the tradition's strong vitality.

Although Con Son was an ideal spot for monastic practice, Kiep Bac Temple is characterized by the heroic echoes of a magnificent military headquarters. This was the manor and military command center of Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, situated at the point of convergence of the Luc Dau Giang River. From this sacred land, immortal literary works like the Exhortations of the Military Generals were born, inspiring patriotism among the people and contributing to glorious victories against the Mongol-Yuan invaders.

After he was deified, a temple was constructed on the former manor grounds, becoming one of the most sacred centers for worshipping Duc Thanh Tran (Saint Tran) in the country. Kiep Bac Temple's architecture is a harmonious merging of Taoism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, rigorously adhering to feng shui principles. The 8th lunar month festival, with its spiritual performances and especially the military parade on the Luc Dau River, recreates the heroic atmosphere of the "Dien Hong Conference" of yesteryear, a symbol of unity between royalty, officials, and the people.

Con Son and Kiep Bac, one a religious center, the other a military headquarters, together vividly illustrate UNESCO criterion (iii): the strategic alliance between the State (Tran Royal Family), religion (Truc Lam Buddhism), and the people, creating a unique cultural tradition that shaped the national identity.

Next, Thanh Mai Pagoda, situated on Mount Phat Tich, is an important witness to the life and work of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa. This was not only where he expanded and presided over the pagoda but also where the most valuable "stone chronicle" of the Truc Lam Zen sect is preserved: the "Thanh Mai Vien Thong Thap Bi" stele. This stele, edited by the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang in 1362, documents nearly the entire history of the sect's formation and development, making it an invaluable national treasure. Along with a system of eight ancient stone stupas, Thanh Mai Pagoda functions as an original archive, demonstrating the systematic and methodical development of a purely Vietnamese Zen lineage.

Nham Duong Pagoda, founded during the Tran Dynasty, retains its most significant value deep within the earth in Thanh Hoa Cave. Archaeologists have discovered a cultural layer up to 4 meters thick, containing fossilized remains of ancient mammals, particularly the orangutan (Pongo) dating back 30,000 to 50,000 years. Alongside these are numerous antiquities from the Dong Son period all the way to the Nguyen Dynasty, indicating continuous human habitation for tens of thousands of years. This was an essential trading and living hub, providing a strong foundation for later cultural development.

Finally, Kinh Chu Cave, dubbed "Nam Thien De Luc Dong" (the sixth most attractive cave in Southern Heaven), resembles a massive library carved into the rock face. More than 50 "ma nhai" steles (inscriptions carved directly onto the cliff) by renowned figures from various periods have transformed this place into a unique literary and calligraphic museum. Notably, the stele with the poem by scholar Pham Su Manh and the four characters "Van Thach Thu That" from the 14th century conjures the atmosphere of preparation for the historic Bach Dang battle in 1288. This functions as evidence of the connection between culture, military, and national spirit.

Collectively, these five sites in Haiphong weave a compelling narrative that satisfies UNESCO criterion (vi), demonstrating how Truc Lam Buddhism, originating from the sacred Yen Tu mountain range, profoundly spread and influenced society, strengthening national power, fostering peace, and promoting cooperation.

UNESCO's recognition is a global acknowledgment of a heritage with outstanding universal value, but it also carries a great responsibility for preserving and promoting those values. This is not the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of a new one. The next steps will concentrate on the preservation and conservation of these relics, while also promoting and utilizing their value for the future development of tourism and local socio-economic growth.