Quang Yen, Quang Ninh Province, is a land of spiritual and talented people associated with the Bach Dang Victory in 1288. It is home to a 900-year-old persimmon tree on the grounds of Dong Phuc Pagoda, which has been recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.
Visit Quang Ninh to Admire the 900-Year-Old Persimmon Tree at Dong Phuc Pagoda
Dong Phuc Pagoda. Photo: Nguoi Dua Tin E-magazine.
The pagoda is made of ironwood. Photo: VOV.
Dong Phuc Pagoda is located next to the Rung Wharf, at the confluence of the Bach Dang River. According to legend, this was where Tran Hung Dao prayed for peace and prosperity for the country before the battle and held a requiem ceremony. During the Later Le Dynasty, Dong Phuc Pagoda became a refuge for the mother and son of Prince Le Tu Thanh, later King Le Thanh Tong.
The 900-year-old persimmon tree. Photo: Kinh Te Do Thi.
The persimmon tree provides shade all year round. Photo: Sai Gon Giai Phong.
This is the largest pagoda in Quang Ninh Province made of ironwood and large monolithic stone. The pagoda grounds are home to many precious ancient trees. Among them, the 900-year-old persimmon tree at Dong Phuc Pagoda is associated with the third battle that defeated the Yuan-Mongol forces on the Bach Dang River.
Persimmons. Photo: Sai Gon Giai Phong.
The persimmon tree extends its long branches. Photo: Kinh Te Do Thi.
The persimmon tree at Dong Phuc Pagoda is imposing, standing 19m tall, with a trunk circumference of 5.17m and a broad canopy that provides shade all year round. The persimmon tree is highly significant and is considered a precious tree in Buddhism; persimmon wood was the only type of wood used to carve printing blocks for Buddhist scriptures by Buddhist patriarchs in the past. Persimmon wood is beautiful and durable, and does not suffer from termites or cracking, so Buddhist patriarchs used it to print Buddhist scriptures.
Photo: VOV.
The persimmon tree has been recognized as a Heritage Tree. Photo: To Quoc.
The pagoda is also home to a more than 400-year-old cotton tree, standing 18m tall with a trunk circumference of 5.9m. Northern Vietnamese culture is closely associated with the cotton tree, which symbolizes prosperity and abundance. Moreover, this species also expresses the feelings and spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Photo: Nguoi Dua Tin E-magazine.
The ceremony honoring and presenting the Vietnamese Heritage Tree certificate to the 900-year-old persimmon tree in Quang Yen is not only an honor, but also represents the connection and gratitude between many generations. Without the efforts of many people to protect it, the 900-year-old tree could not have survived to this day.
The 400-year-old cotton tree at the pagoda. Photo: phatgiao.org.
The pagoda grounds. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The 900-year-old persimmon tree at Dong Phuc Pagoda has endured the extreme harshness of nature and many historical upheavals, yet today it still stands majestically, demonstrating the historical, cultural, and spiritual values of Quang Yen.
