Not only at Fansipan Peak or Mau Son Peak, this destination on cold days can also have very low temperatures and snow and ice appear, making visitors excited.
In recent days, the Northern and Central provinces of our country have been affected by a strong cold wave intensifying the winter of 2023. Temperatures in the localities have dropped sharply, with the average below 20 degrees Celsius. In particular, in the northern mountainous areas, the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, even reaching nearly 0 degrees Celsius, with snow and ice appearing.
Not only in the “roof of Indochina” Fansipan or “the coldest place in Vietnam” Mau Son, a destination near the capital Hanoi is also one of the names where snow, ice, and temperatures have reached milestones. 0 degrees Celsius this winter. That is Dong Pagoda on Yen Tu peak, in the city. Uong Bi, Quang Ninh.
According to information on the Industry and Trade Newspaper, it was recorded that around 8:00 a.m. on December 23, frost began to appear, covering a thin layer on the temple roof. Ms. Bui Thi Kim Thuy, Director of the City Center for Media and Culture. Uong Bi, Quang Ninh province further shared that on the same morning, snow and ice also appeared in this area. Previously, on December 22, staff of the Yen Tu National Forest and Relics Management Board present in the Dong Pagoda area also said that the temperature at this location had dropped to 0 degrees Celsius, accompanied by The wind was strong so it was extremely cold.
Dong Pagoda – the temple has an Asian record
Dong Pagoda is considered the “highest” destination both literally and figuratively for all tourists, Buddhist monks and nuns when coming to the scenic areas of Yen Tu, Uong Bi, and Quang Ninh. The pagoda is located on the highest peak of the Yen Tu range, at an altitude of 1068m above sea level. The pagoda has another name: Thien Truc Tu, which is also the largest mountaintop pagoda made entirely of bronze in Asia.
The area of Dong Pagoda is about 20m2, weighs 70 tons, is 4.6m long, 3.6m wide and the height from the foundation pillar to the roof is 3.35m. The main structure of the pagoda includes only 1 compartment with 4 main pillars, each weighing 1 ton. The pagoda’s roof has a funny-nosed tile shape, each tile weighs about 4kg. On the roof there are also 4 sharp peaks reaching out to 4 sides, forming a porch.
According to recorded documents, at the time Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong came to Yen Tu and after he passed away, Dong Pagoda did not exist. But in the 17th century, in the post-Le period, the pagoda began to be built, made of iron frame, copper roof, on a small scale like an altar. Besides the Buddha statue, the pagoda also has a large bell and bell, all made of bronze.
Experiencing many ups and downs of history with many “versions” of reconstruction, in 2006, the current Dong Pagoda was officially rebuilt according to the design of Architect Tran Quoc Tuan – Heritage Conservation Institute. Accumulated, cast entirely in bronze. At the end of January 2007, the pagoda was inaugurated, located on the highest peak of Yen Tu mountain.
Up to now, Dong Yen Tu Pagoda is considered a symbol of Buddhist history and beliefs in Vietnam. Every year, Yen Tu scenic area in general and Dong Pagoda in particular attract a large number of tourists, up to millions. Especially at the beginning of the new year, from January to the end of the third lunar month – the occasion of the Yen Tu pagoda festival, the number of pilgrims at the scenic area is even larger.
Pilgrimage path to the highest pagoda in Vietnam
As mentioned above, Dong Pagoda is on the top of the mountain at an altitude of 1068m above sea level. This is also the highest position that a temple is located in Vietnam.
To get to Dong Pagoda, in the past, the only way for tourists was to climb through thousands of steep stone steps and dangerous forest paths. The distance is about 6km long, the road pilgrimage takes about 5 hours. However, now tourists have another option: taking the cable car, thereby saving much more time and effort. From the cable car, visitors can see the entire vast and majestic mountain and forest scene below. When getting off the cable car, visitors only need to walk a little further to reach the sacred peak of Yen Tu mountain and Dong Pagoda.
Upon arriving, many tourists are amazed by the scenery surrounded by clouds on all sides at Dong Pagoda. Built with a small area, visitors can only stand from outside the temple door and then bow inside. According to the shares of many Buddhists who regularly make pilgrimages to Yen Tu and Dong Pagoda, there is an action that people tell each other that will help bring good luck: touching the pagoda or rubbing money on the pagoda.
Besides Dong Pagoda, coming to the Yen Tu scenic area, visitors should not miss other destinations to make the journey more complete. These include Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, Buddha Stele Heaven Gate, Yen Tu National Forest, Giai Oan Pagoda, Giai Oan Stream, Hue Quang Patriarch Tower, Hoa Yen Pagoda, One Roof Pagoda, Bao Sai Pagoda or Buddha Statue Hoang Tran Nhan Tong…
Some other notes for tourists when coming to the Yen Tu scenic area:
– Wear comfortable, discreet clothing and sturdy sneakers because you have to walk many distances, some are difficult, and have steep mountain roads.
– Avoid bringing too many bulky items
– You can bring water and snacks
– Arrange a schedule to visit suitable destinations
Photo,Video: Internet (Vinlove.net)