Located in Huong Son Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province, Huong Tich Pagoda is not only a famous temple in Vietnam but also a time-honoured spiritual cultural icon.
An aerial view of Huong Tich Pagoda
The pagoda is nestled within the majestic Hong Linh Mountain, a mystical land with stunning natural beauty. The pagoda attracts visitors not only for its breathtaking scenery but also as a repository of profound spiritual values.
However, despite being a prominent destination for spiritual tourism, Huong Tich Pagoda faces challenges in preserving and developing sustainable tourism, from natural factors to issues related to tourism infrastructure.
Huong Tich Pagoda is linked with the legend of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is believed to have practised here and blessed the local people. The pagoda is built within a large cave of Hong Linh Mountain, covering an area of about 200 sq.m.
According to historical documents, the pagoda has existed for thousands of years, making it one of the important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists nationwide. During the spring festival, the pagoda welcomes thousands of pilgrims from all over the country.
From a Buddhist temple, Huong Tich has now become a cultural symbol of Ha Tinh, where not only is Buddha worshipped but also where individuals seek their own spiritual relief.
With its long history and status as a key Buddhist pilgrimage site, Huong Tich Pagoda receives considerable attention from the authorities and the community.
Huong Tich Pagoda attracts visitors not only for its breathtaking scenery but also as a repository of profound spiritual values. (Photo: baohatinh.vn)
However, challenges in preservation and sustainable development remain significant issues that need addressing.
One critical issue is protecting the natural landscape surrounding the pagoda. While Hong Linh Mountain boasts otherworldly beauty, the increasing number of visitors -especially during festivals - poses challenges for environmental protection.
The natural scenery is a key tourist attraction, but excessive tourism can degrade the local ecosystem. Therefore, implementing measures to protect the landscape while creating sustainable tourism activities is essential for maintaining Huong Tich's natural beauty.
Additionally, tourism infrastructure presents another significant challenge. Although a modern cable car system introduced in 2007 has made access easier for visitors, large crowds during festivals often lead to traffic congestion and service overloads.
The development of amenities and infrastructure that are not synchronised can negatively impact visitor experiences and service quality.
Despite these challenges in tourism development, Huong Tich Pagoda remains an exceptionally attractive destination due to its cultural and spiritual values. The annual Huong Tich Pagoda Festival takes place from the first day of the lunar month until the end of the third lunar month, drawing thousands of visitors and Buddhist followers to express their reverence for Buddha and pray for national peace and prosperity.
The festival features solemn religious rituals and opportunities for visitors to have deeper insights into the cultural life of Ha Tinh Province through various folk games, lion dances, Quan Ho love duet singing, and traditional sporting events.
In recent years, Huong Tich Pagoda has become one of the important spiritual tourism destinations in Vietnam’s central region. The pace of tourism development in this area has been sped up since local authorities and businesses boldly invested in infrastructure and quality tourism products to meet growing visitor demands.
In addition to the cable car system, upgraded roads and expanding service areas like hotels, restaurants, and eateries are gradually being established to cater to tourists' needs. It has been done in a way that preserves traditional cultural identity while protecting the natural environment.
Huong Tich Pagoda, with its magnificent beauty amidst the vastness of Hong Linh Mountain, is a must-see destination for those who want to explore the culture, history, and the nation’s beliefs. For sustainable preservation and development of the site, it is crucial to strengthen cooperation among authorities, communities, and tourists to maintain its valuable natural and cultural heritage.
