Bao Tich shell tower in Nha Trang city

The most impressive piece of architecture found at Tu Van Pagoda is Bao Tich Tower. It stands 39 metres tall, is built with cement, and features 49 small pyramid-shaped smaller towers outside. In each of the smaller towers is a statue of Buddha. (Photo: VNP/VNA)

The tower has eight entrances, which is a symbol of “Bat Chanh Dao” (the noble Eightfold Path). There are two storeys. The upper storey is used to worship Buddha, and features a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with a thousand eyes and a thousand hands. (Photo: VNP/VNA)

Tu Van Pagoda was built in 1968 on Road 3/4, about 60 km south of Nha Trang city. It is completely made from dry seashells and coral, like a museum for its materials. Because of its uniqueness, Tu Van has other names, such as Oc Temple (Shell Temple) and San Ho Temple (Coral Temple). (Photo: VNP/VNA)

There are 12 gates in the cave, symbolising the 12 layers of hell in Buddhist theory, and at each gate is a description of the sins a person may commit during his or her lifetime.(Photo: VNP/VNA)

Bao Tich Tower is the most popular tourist attraction at Tu Van Pagoda in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, because of its one-of-a-kind design using coral, clams, and shells. (Photo: VNP/VNA)

Tu Van Pagoda was built in 1968 on Road 3/4, about 60 km south of Nha Trang city. It is completely made from dry seashells and coral, like a museum for its materials. Because of its uniqueness, Tu Van has other names, such as Oc Temple (Shell Temple) and San Ho Temple (Coral Temple). (Photo: VNP/VNA)

A dragon decorated with shells at Tu Van Pagoda. (Photo: VNP/VNA)