Pagodas and Temples in Quang Ninh

Posted by admin on February 7, 2011 under Halong Attractions | Be the First to Comment

Yen Tu Pagoda

Yen Tu Pagoda is situated 14km away from Uong Bi town of Quang Ninh. Yen Tu Pagoda complex comprises 10 pagodas among which Dong Pagoda (which is located on the top of Yen Tu mountain of 1 065 meters high) is the most prominent one. The area consists hundreds of shrines, towers, tombs, natural rock statues and caves and is surrounded by vast forest and mountains. This is the center of Buddhism and also the cradle of a Buddhist sect called Truc Lam which was established by King Tran Nhan Tong. Yen Tu is not only a historical and cultural vestige but also a tourist attraction. Annually, this site attracts millions of tourists who follow Buddhism and tourists who go for sightseeing. In spring (from the first to the third lunar month), a large number of people from many part of the country come here to go on pilgrimage and sightseeing. When visiting this solemn place, you will easily catch sight of old people sincerely climb up to Dong Pagoda without the support of hanging cable. They do so to show their respect and also to ask for health and luck since for Vietnamese, Yen Tu Pagoda is a sacred place. If you would like to join in the crowded atmosphere of Yen Tu Festival, come here during festival days. If you want to stay in the quietness and explore the surrounding landscape, come in other periods of time.

Long Tien Pagoda

Long Tien Pagoda lies right under Bai Tho Mountain in Ha Long city. This is the largest pagoda and also a well-known historical vestige of Ha Long. The Pagoda was built in 1941 with a special and unique architecture pattern. The sculpture style with formalized patterns and the layout style is somewhat the same as that of pagodas in the Nguyen Dynasty. The pagoda worships Thanh Mau, Tran Hung Dao and heroes of the Tran Dynasty. In the Pagoda, there are many sculpture products which reflect the sophisticated sculpturing skill. Visiting Long Tien Pagoda in the first lunar month or the second lunar month, you will have chance to take part in the Festival which attracts lots of tourists.

Cua Ong Temple

Cua Ong Temple is situated on a low mountain looking over Bai Tu Long Bay with wonderful landscape in Cua Ong ward, Cam Pha town, Quang Ninh. This temple worships Tran Quoc Tang and many well-known heros of the Tran Dynasty. The temple now comprises 34 statues of different sizes which are skillfully sculptured. This is also a beauty spot recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information. Cua Ong Temple has three main parts: Ha Temple, Trung Temple and Thuong Temple. From the temple, you can have an overall view of Bai Tu Long Bay and Cam Pha coal mining region. The temple has long been regarded as a very sacred one not only for Quang Ninh inhabitants, but also for people from other provinces. Cua Ong Temple Festival takes place annually from the 2nd of the first lunar month and last until the end of spring.

If you are interested in local culture, visit Quang Ninh in spring and participate in the pilgrimage which starts from Long Tien Pagoda, then move on to Yen Tu Pagoda before finally reaching Cua Ong Temple.

Source: Vietnam Hotel