Measures to turn the sacred Buddhist historical site of Yen Tu in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh into a centre of Buddhism – Truc Lam sect were proposed at a seminar on December 2.

At the event, which was co-organised by the provincial Buddhist Sangha and the Vietnam Buddhist University at Trinh pagoda, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province, Yen Tu was also targeted to become a major destination of the Hanoi-Quang Ninh tourism route.

Highlighting the site’s important position in the province’s socio-economic development, delegates said the upgrading, preservation and upholding of its values have long-term strategic meaning.

Reports presented at the seminar focused on Truc Lam sect characteristics as well as its contributions to the country’s industrialisation, modernisation and international integration.

According to Nguyen Van Doc, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, the Prime Minister has ratified a project to expand the Yen Tu historical site.

Apart from restoration work, the province is stepping up efforts to complete a dossier to be submitted to UNESCO for its recognition of Yen Tu as a world cultural heritage, he added.

Yen Tu consists of five sections, including the heritage site, service area, social facilities, management and residential areas. It is known for its 1,000m Yen Tu Mountain and is the birthplace of the Truc Lam (Bamboo Forest ) Zen sect.

Covering 20,000 ha, it attracts many tourists and pilgrims from all over the country.-VNA