Huong (Perfume) Pagoda Complex in Ha Noi's My Duc District will open on February 16, according to a decision made by the municipal People’s Committee on Tuesday.
The aerial view of Huong (Perfume) Pagoda in Ha Noi's My Duc District. The religious site will start to welcome pilgrims back on February 16 after a long closure due to the pandemic. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Dat
Earlier, the My Duc District Party Committee submitted a proposal to the Standing Committee of the Ha Noi Party Committee and the People's Committee on the reopening and receiving guests to the National Special Historical Relic Site and Landscape Complex, Huong Son - Huong Pagoda.
According to Secretary of the District Party Committee Nguyen Ngoc Viet, the locality strictly suspended the organisation of the Huong Pagoda festival during Tet (Lunar New Year), which falls between 15th day of the first lunar month to 18th day of the second lunar month.
The situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ha Noi and in My Duc District has been basically under control and assessed as safe for tourism.
Implementing the "dual goal" of both effective prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic and socio-economic development, in addition to locals and pilgrims’ wishes, the local authority has worked with relevant departments to assess the situation and take measures to ensure the safety of visitors at the relic site in the new normal.
A specialised team will be established to evaluate and draw the experience of receiving tourists from February 16.
Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung assigned the Department of Culture and Sports to assume the prime responsibility and coordinate with the Department of Health in guiding My Duc District to implement the pandemic prevention and control measures.
Huong Son, 60km southwest of Ha Noi, consists of natural and cultural properties including Buddhist pagodas, caves and temples worshipping local agricultural gods. Aside from its religious significance, the complex also holds special values in terms of its ecosystem, landscape, architecture and history.
The complex, built under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1442–1497), was destroyed by French colonialists but has been rebuilt with the support of the State, local residents and visitors.