The beautiful scenery at Yen Tu doesn't just represent Quang Ninh Province, but also Vietnam. What do you think about this statement?
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| A map of the project area. |
The historical land combines weather with favourable terrain. It becomes the holy land of Vietnam where Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu (Bamboo Forest) Zen Buddhist sect 700 years ago. He abdicated his throne to practise a religious life here.
The Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhist sect does not only contain cultural value but also architectural, especially the Dong (bronze) pagoda which was skillfully carved and from far away looks just like a golden lotus.
How can Yen Tu attract more visitors?
In my opinion, we should understand that it holds an intangible cultural value and must be heralded in the right manner. We should deploy and strengthen its existing potentials such as its tourism advantages because tourism development, in turn, will help to provide money to restore and upgrade it in the future.
At present, the Hanoi – Ha Long tourism route fascinates many domestic and foreign travellers. The addition of Yen Tu to the tour will make it even more attractive to tourists.
I think we must localise the holy area in Yen Tu in order to prevent any violation of it. We also need to make a break-though, showcasing its unique and mesmerising power while maintaining Buddhist’s temple culture.
Also, we need to improve access to the wonderful scenery in order to make it closer for ordinary people and pilgrims, and then it can become just as fascinating as other religious destinations around the world.
What demands will be addressed when the project is completed?
The project’s aim is to honour the cultural and historical values of Yen Tu. When it is finished, all people will be able understand more about Yen Tu through direct means. In addition, it will enhance its impact on local and international Buddhism.
After the official approval, we will need 2,800 direct employees and over 2,000 indirect ones during the implementation period. After it is completed, we will need an additional 4,500 workers.
What are the highlights of this project? What do you think about its potential?
The project scales 700 hectares and holds an investment of VND2 trillion ($108 million). The design concept contains Vietnamese cultural specialties. The reception hall decoration will be copied from the Tran dynasty. Moreover, neighbouring areas will imitate the traditional Vietnamese villages.
We will build a blessing and prayer area, a square to release caught animals and a statue of the great Truc Lam Buddha on the water.
After it is completed, it will be able to host national and international religious activities such as conferences, seminars, and international cultural exchanges.
Folk cultural activities and ancient folk culture rites being used will boost tourism here. The project is predicted to generate $50 million per year when it is put into operation.
As a Buddhist follower, do you believe that Yen Tu could become more spacious and influential after the accomplishment of this project?
Yes, I do. The exchange between national culture and Buddhism culture has become the speciality of the project. In addition, there will be religious exchanges among different areas of Vietnam and other countries. It will be the capital of spiritual culture.
I am sure that Yen Tu will be more spacious and influential. It will also have the most special records in the region and in the world.
Thank you!
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