Thousands of people flocked to Yen Tu in 2026

This year marks the first festival since Yen Tu became a World Heritage Site, launching events to promote the complex of Yen Tu, Vinh Nghiem, Khanh Son, and Khi Bac. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is represented by Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhu, Standing Vice President of the Executive Council, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, Vice President of the Executive Council, Head of VBS Quang Minh. Most Venerable Thich Quang Tung, Vice President of the Executive Council, Head of VBS Hai Phong. Venerable Thich Duc Tien, Vice President and General Secretary, alongside VBS monks and nuns from Quang Ninh. Attending the opening ceremony is Mr. Bui Van Khaing, Chairman of the Quang Ninh People's Committee. Ms. Nguyen Thi Han, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee. Mr. Jonathan Waylett-Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam and Provincial Officials. The opening begins with the Palanquin Procession from Khai Tam Gate, through Minh Tam Square, into the Truc Lam Palace. Yen Tu is a sacred site, drawing countless devotees and pilgrims to its holy peaks. Beyond seeking peace, visitors come to reconnect with history and reflect amidst modern life. Nurturing noble aspirations and honoring our ancestors through the tradition of gratitude, This enduring connection sustains the vitality of Yen Tu, where spiritual values blend with the Vietnamese national spirit. Mr. Bui Van Khaing affirmed that the Yen Tu Spring Festival is a beautiful tradition preserved through generations. It is not merely a ceremony, but the start of a year dedicated to promoting the site's heritage values, asserting the stature of Yen Tu on the global cultural map. The 2026 Yen Tu Spring Festival is a landmark cultural event, worthy of a World Heritage Site. To thank the public for supporting the World Heritage bid, Quang Ninh Province has passed a resolution to waive 100% of sightseeing fees from 2026 to 2028. Additionally, the Yen Tu Relic Site will offer free parking for cars and motorbikes at Hoc Keo Station through 2026. Free travel insurance will be provided for all visitors, alongside an AI system to manage site entries automatically. These policies bring the Yen Tu World Heritage closer to the public, promoting sustainable tourism and preservation. In his opening address, the Provincial Chairman expressed confidence in the success of the 2026 Yen Tu Spring Festival, further spreading the universal values of the heritage and the noble humanism of the truck lambs and sect, serving as a vital source of spiritual motivation to build a more prosperous Quang Ninh. Becoming a civilized and modern province in this new era, before offering blessings to the Most Venerable Clergy, Distinguished Guests, and the public. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, Vice President of the Executive Council and Head of VBS Quang Ninh, recounted the life and legacy of the Buddhist king, Tran Nhan Thom, over seven centuries ago, after leading the Dai Viet people to victory twice. Against the Mongol invaders, King Tran Nhan Thom abdicated to seek enlightenment at Yen Tu, founding the truck lambs and sect, a school deeply rooted in national identity that emphasizes serving both humanity and the nation through peace and harmony. Recognizing its universal value, UNESCO officially inscribed the Yen Tu, Vinh Neam, Khan Son, and Keep Back complex as a World Heritage Site on July 12, 2025, ensuring the Buddhist king's message of peace endures. At the ceremony, Mr. Jonathan Wayleck-Baker, UNESCO representative in Vietnam, expressed his honor to attend, especially now that Yen Tu is a World Heritage Site. This recognition affirms the site's global stature and highlights Quang Ninh's commitment to preserving cultural values for all humanity. UNESCO commends Quang Ninh's efforts in heritage conservation, responsible tourism, and community environmental protection. The UNESCO representative expressed confidence that the humanist values of truck lamb will continue to foster global peace and understanding. The most anticipated moment was the drum and bell ritual, marking the official opening of the festival by Mr. Bui Van Khang and Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet. Following this, the clergy and delegates offered incense, praying for national peace and favorable weather. The sacred ritual at Yen Tu remains a cherished cultural tradition every spring. The sacred seal, kept at Dong Pagoda, is unveiled only once a year. It is bestowed upon pilgrims, bringing blessings of peace for the new year. Spring has arrived.