Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Ninh province is home to 3,050 woodblocks, a rare and invaluable documentary heritage that reflects the cultural, historical, and intellectual depth of the Vietnamese people.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is part of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiep Bac complex, recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Photo: VNA

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Ninh province is home to 3,050 woodblocks, a rare and invaluable documentary heritage that reflects the cultural, historical, and intellectual depth of the Vietnamese people.

Carefully carved in both Han (classical Chinese) and Nom (demotic Vietnamese) scripts, the woodblocks demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and scholarly dedication. They contain a wide range of materials, including Buddhist scriptures, monastic regulations, and teachings associated with the Truc Lam Zen sect, a uniquely Vietnamese school of Buddhism founded during the Tran Dynasty.

Beyond their religious significance, the woodblocks also preserve knowledge in various fields such as traditional medicine, literature, linguistics, and aspects of social life. As such, they serve not only as sacred texts but also as valuable historical records, offering insights into the intellectual life and cultural practices of past generations.

Recognized for their outstanding value, the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda woodblocks were inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register for the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring their importance as a shared heritage of humanity.

In recent years, local authorities and cultural institutions have made sustained efforts to preserve and promote this unique collection. Preservation work has focused on protecting the woodblocks from environmental damage, while also ensuring their accessibility for research and education.

At the same time, new approaches have been introduced to bring the heritage closer to the public. Exhibitions, guided tours, and digitalization projects have allowed visitors and scholars alike to explore the content and historical context of the woodblocks in more engaging ways. Interactive displays and virtual platforms, in particular, have helped expand public awareness, especially among younger generations.

These efforts not only contribute to safeguarding a valuable cultural asset but also highlight the enduring relevance of traditional knowledge in contemporary society. By bridging the past and the present, the woodblocks of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda continue to serve as a vital source of inspiration and learning.