 The Yen Tu Spring Festival opens with traditional rituals (Photo: Truong Giang/VOV) |
On the 10th day of the first lunar month, which falls on February 26, a ceremony was held at the Yen Tu Historical Site and Scenic Landscape in Quang Ninh province, marking the first festival season since the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex was officially recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site.
 Locals and tourists make pilgrimages to Yen Tu (Photo: Truong Giang/VOV) |
From early morning, streams of people slowly made their way across Giai Oan Stream, toward Hoa Yen Pagoda, ascending to Dong Pagoda at an altitude of 1,068 meters, seemingly touching the clouds. A bustling festive atmosphere increased with every step. Mr. Tran Dinh Chi, a visitor from Hanoi, said: “Yen Tu is now renowned not only in Vietnam but around the world. Quang Ninh province has created all favorable conditions and mobilized resources to promote the core spiritual values of the site. Visitors come here in large numbers, full of joy, and all services are well organized.”
 An exhibition displays artifacts from the Tran Dynasty and valuable documents about Truc Lam Buddhism in Vietnam (Photo: Truong Giang/VOV) |
Throughout the festival, numerous distinctive cultural, spiritual and artistic activities have been held, including an exhibition of Tran Dynasty artifacts and precious documents on Vietnamese Truc Lam Buddhism; an OCOP (One Commune One Product) fair; traditional folk games; and artistic programs recreating the historical and cultural depth of Yen Tu.
To express particular gratitude to residents and visitors who supported the journey to achieve World Heritage recognition, entrance fees to the Yên Tử scenic site has been waived from 2026 to the end of 2028.
 A special art program is to take place on Saturday (Photo: Truong Giang/VOV) |
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, said: “Quang Ninh has developed a master plan to reorganize the Yen Tu area, including supporting infrastructure and accompanying services. We have also built a project to preserve, restore and promote the heritage values of Yen Tu in connection with Con Son-Kiep Bac and with Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, which have also been recognized by UNESCO. This aims to establish a chain of regional development not only for Quang Ninh province but also for Hai Phong city, Bac Ninh province and the country as a whole.”
The Yen Tu Spring Festival 2026 is one of the longest spring festivals in northern Vietnam. It stands as a proud testament to Vietnam’s enduring cultural identity.