Sùng Khánh Pagoda

About

Sùng Khánh Pagoda stands on a small hill in Làng Nùng, near the Hà Giang area. It is a destination for exploring traces of Trần-dynasty Buddhism in the borderlands, particularly a stone stele preserving ancient writing and carving.

Visitor information

Founded

Founded in 1356 during the Trần dynasty; its stele was erected in 1367.

Visiting hours

Please ask the temple about visiting hours and its daily practice schedule before coming.

Fees

Please follow the guidance and posted prices at the destination; services provided outside the temple may be charged separately.

Address

Thôn Làng Nùng, khu vực xã Đạo Đức, Vị Xuyên cũ, tỉnh Tuyên Quang (trước đây thuộc Hà Giang).

Highlights

• ✓A 1367 stone stele on a turtle-shaped base, recognised as a national treasure.
• ✓Buddha, dragon and foliage motifs on the stele showing Trần-period artistry.
• ✓Cultural activities connected with the Tày community and the Lồng Tồng festival.

History and origins

Cultural-sector materials cited by the Vietnam News Agency record that the temple was founded in 1356 and designated a national heritage site in 1993. Its stele was erected 11 years after the foundation, during the reign of Trần Dụ Tông.

Composed by Tạ Thúc Ngao, the inscription provides evidence about Buddhism, place names and local society in the Trần period. The stele was recognised as a national treasure in late 2013; it should not be confused with the bell at Bình Lâm Pagoda, another national treasure of the Hà Giang area.

Architecture & surroundings

The temple occupies a hill and has a restrained scale. The main object to examine is the monolithic stone stele on its turtle base: its upper section is divided into panels featuring Amitābha Buddha and dragons, while the border carries floral scrolls. Its Chinese and some Nôm characters remain subjects of specialist research.

Cultural value

Sùng Khánh’s value lies in the continuity between a Buddhist worship site and village life. The surviving object helps present-day readers of Buddhist texts understand Buddhism’s place in highland history and appreciate the community’s efforts to preserve its heritage.

Events & festivals

The Lồng Tồng festival associated with the temple usually takes place on the full-moon day of the first lunar month, with incense offerings, Then singing and folk games. The local 2025 event was held on 12/2/2025. Dates and scale may vary each year; please follow local announcements before planning a visit.