Quang Ninh province has unveiled a series of cultural and artistic activities for Spring Binh Ngo 2026. A key highlight this year is the inaugural Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhism Exhibition, an event organized for the first time. This exhibition aims to celebrate the values of this distinct Vietnamese Zen lineage, following the UNESCO recognition of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac complex as a World Cultural Heritage site in 7/2025.

Founded in the 13th century by Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, who twice led the nation against Yuan-Mongol invaders, Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhism transcends mere religion. It symbolizes national independence and cultural identity.

Statue of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in Yen Tu. Photo: Giang Huy

Unlike many other Buddhist traditions, Truc Lam Yen Tu embraces an "engaged Buddhism" philosophy, emphasizing "Buddha in the heart". This teaches that enlightenment can be found through daily duties to family and country, without needing to renounce worldly life.

The exhibition, running from 25/2 to 4/3/2026 at the Guong Thien Khai Tam area, will allow visitors to view rare images, documents, and artifacts from the 13th-14th centuries, excavated from this heritage site.

In addition to the exhibition, this year's Yen Tu Spring Festival features a significant change in access policy. To express gratitude to visitors and boost tourism, Quang Ninh province has implemented a 0 VND entrance fee from 2026 through the end of 2028.

This decision follows a recent resolution by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council to waive Yen Tu's entrance fees, honoring the community after the site's World Cultural Heritage designation.

Other key activities include:

• The opening ceremony (morning 26/2) at Cung Truc Lam, featuring traditional rituals like palanquin processions, the imprinting of the sacred Yen Tu seal, and incense offerings for national peace;
• A special art program (20h 26/2) at the Chua Trinh festival grounds;
• The "Heritage Spring - Nuong Village Tet" experience, offering folk games, horse parades, traditional martial arts, and Dao Thanh Y ethnic cuisine at the mountain's base;
• An OCOP fair with over 100 stalls showcasing regional specialties.

Le Tan