Ninh Binh has two more special national relic sites

The Tam Chuc landscape complex situated in Tam Chuc ward, Ninh Binh province. It is about four kilometters away from Huong pagoda. This is an area with a tropical humid limestone karst landscape, with outstanding geological significance, similar to Trang An.

The development of the terrain over more than 5 million years has formed a landscape of pristine, splendid beauty with outstanding aesthetic values, a blend of towering mountains, covered by forest carpets, basins, caves and underground streams.

This place is also home to a population of Delacour's Langur, one of the rarest primates in the world with a population of up to 400 individuals.

In addition, archaeological studies show that Tam Chuc was home to ancient Vietnamese people, influenced by Hoa Binh Culture from 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. The excavation results at a cave discovered a double burial in a kneeling position dating back about 10,000 years, this is one of the 10 earliest Hoa Binh cultural relics in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

This area is also where traces of the formation and development of Buddhism are preserved, especially associated with Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong of the Ly Dynasty and Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Co Le Pagoda, also known as Than Quang Temple, is located in Co Le Commune, Ninh Binh Province.

Co Le pagoda, whose Chinese name is Than Quang Tu, located in Co Le commune, Ninh Binh province, was built during the Ly Dynasty (12th century) associated with the merits of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong. However, the current structure is a product created by Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen in the early 20th century.

The special feature of this pagoda is its unique architectural art, harmoniously combining traditional Eastern architecture with Western Gothic architecture, demonstrating the harmony between Buddhism and Christianity.

Co Le Pagoda is also a place of worship for the father and son Doctor Dao Toan Ban and the first-place winner Dao Su Tich, who contributed to the construction of the homeland and laid the foundation for the tradition of learning in this land. The Co Le Pagoda Festival takes place from the 13th to the 16th of the 9th lunar month every year to celebrate the birthday of the Saint Nguyen Minh Khong.

Over ups and downs, Co Le pagoda still be kept intact and become a precious masterpiece of the western-eastern architecture.

The regcognition of these relics helps affirm the outstanding culture, historical and architectural values of them but also open up opportunities for preservation, promotion heritage values and develop sustainable tourism in the locality.

With the two newly-recognised relics, Ninh Binh to date has ten special national relic sites./.