Built-in the fourteenth century, But Thap Pagoda is a destination attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. The pagoda is also called Ninh Phuc Tu, located in But Thap village, Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh district (Bac Ninh province).

Through many restoration phases in history, But Thap Pagoda still retains relatively intact architecture to this day. Experts say that this is one of the most complete temples remaining in Vietnam.

Built in the fourteenth century, But Thap Pagoda is a famous temple in Kinh Bac region. Photo: Dinh Truong

Like many ancient temples in the North, But Thap Pagoda was built in the style of foreign internal public affairs, with the architectural works arranged symmetrically and closely in the central area.

Outside is the three-door, next is the bell tower with 2 floors and 8 roofs. Behind the bell tower are 7 consecutive buildings: Tien Duong, Thien Huong, Thuong Dien, Tich Thien Am, Trung Dynasty, Phu worship, Hau Duong with a total length of more than 100 meters.

But Thap pagoda still retains the relatively intact architecture to this day. Photo: Dinh Truong

In the temple, there are also many antiques and Buddhist statues such as Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, Arhat …

The most prominent is the statue of the thousand-eyed Guan Yin Buddha, recognized as a National Treasure in 2012. The statue’s height including the pedestal is 3.7 m, 2.1 m wide, 1 thick, 15 m.

The statue of Lady Quan Yin with thousand arms and eyes in But Thap Pagoda. Photo: Dinh Truong

The furthest arm is 200 cm long, the statue has 11 heads, 42 large arms and more than 940 small arms. From the lotus, the statue is 235 cm high. This is considered a unique masterpiece of Buddha statues and the art of carving statues.

Another work that is considered a symbol of But Thap pagoda is Bao Nghiem tower. The tower looks like a pen with 5 floors. Around the tower are decorated with vivid and unique patterns.

The bottom floor has 13 stone carvings, mainly animals. This work shows the great talent of stone grafting and sculpture art of the old Vietnamese craftsman.

Nghiem Newspaper Tower. Photo: Dinh Truong

Recently, in early January 2021, the Prime Minister decided to recognize three more National Treasures at But Thap Pagoda, including: The Three World Buddha statues, The Huong Court and the Lotus Palace.

In it, the Nine-story Lotus Flower Hall is nine floors high, located in the center of the Tich Amitabha of But Thap pagoda. With 32 meticulous and elaborate carvings, the work has artistic value and contains many contents in Buddhist teachings.

With unique values, But Thap Pagoda is recognized as a national-level historical and cultural relic. This is a famous tourist attraction and spirituality of Beijing.