On the first day of the journey, nearly 50 artists from the Hanoi Urban Sketching Group gathered at various heritage sites in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
The place is home to numerous relic sites, including the tombs of Kings Dinh and Le, Nhat Tru Pagoda (famous for its stone Buddhist pillar recognized as a national treasure), and Yen Thanh Village Hall (notable for its intricate wood carvings).
Other stops include Am Tien Cave, part of the Hoa Lu ancient capital's national relic complex, Động Vương Phủ Kính Thiên, and temples honoring Princess Thục Tiết, who sacrificed her personal happiness for virtue.
These locations, filled with historical significance, inspired the artists, architects, and group members, resulting in vibrant sketches that beautifully depict the ancient capital.
A remarkable destination on their second day is Múa cave, known for its stunning natural scenery, once served as a place for royal dances and singing.
The group also explored Thái Vi Temple, Bích Động Pagoda, and other sites like Đền Thượng Kinh Hạ and Phong Phú Pagoda. Each location offers unique characteristics, much like the completed sketches, leaving a lasting impression on the group members.
On the third day, the group visited Yên Mô and Gia Viễn districts, home to Tháp Pagoda and several local temples, as well as Vân Long Nature Reserve and the Kiếm Lĩnh Mountain area.
Nearly 200 sketches were completed, contributing to the next phase of producing the book "The Meaning of Ninh Bình Heritage Through Sketches." The book is expected to feature not only drawings, but also valuable writings and inscriptions that connect the past, present, and future./.
