Taking place on the 10th day of the first lunar month, the ceremony drew thousands of pilgrims to the sacred mountain, where drums and temple bells echoed across the peaks as traditional processions and blessing rituals marked the start of the festival season.
At the opening ceremony, Quang Ninh vice chairman Bui Van Khang described Yen Tu as both a spiritual destination and a bridge to national history.
Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO’s chief representative in Vietnam, said Yen Tu was not only the heritage of Quang Ninh and Vietnam but of humanity, voicing confidence that the humanistic values of the Truc Lam Zen sect would continue to foster peace and harmony.
Under new policies, entrance fees have been waived until the end of 2028, excluding cable car services. Parking at Ha Kieu station will remain free through 2026, and all visitors are provided with complimentary insurance. An AI-powered system has also been introduced to manage crowds and strengthen security.
At Minh Tam Square, dragon and lion dances, traditional music and folk games accompanied showcases of Dao Thanh Y cuisine, while exhibitions on Truc Lam Buddhism and OCOP fairs drew large crowds.
Yen Tu welcomed about 171,000 visitors during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, more than double the figure recorded a year earlier. Hundreds of police officers were deployed along key routes and pilgrimage paths to maintain order and safety.
The 2026 Spring Festival is viewed as both a major pilgrimage season and a new chapter in preserving and promoting the World Heritage values of Yen Tu.