Mù Cang Chải terraced fields are among seven new national special relic sites. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Seven historical, artistic and architectural relics have been officially recognised as special national sites by the Prime Minister, including Mù Cang Chải terraced fields in the northern province of Yên Bái.

The 500ha of terraced fields, located in the communes of La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha and Dế Xu Phình in Mù Cang Chải District, were first listed among national relics and distinguished landscapes in 2007.

Over hundreds of years, the Mông ethnic minority people have created magnificent terraced fields, which seem to run into the sky.

The fields turn to a beautiful yellow in September and October, attracting tourists and photographers from across the country to enjoy the natural scene.

Now, Mù Cang Chải and six others have been upgraded to special national site status:

• Chi Lăng historical relic is located in the northern province of Lạng Sơn. The relic consists of 52 sites and spreads over 20km in length. This marks many the victories the of Đại Việt (the then Việt Nam)'s army during the fights against feudal Chinese dynasties, such as the Lý Dynasty’s win against the Song army in the 11^th century, the Trần Dynasty’s win against the Yuan army in the 13^th century and King Lê Lợi’s victory over the Ming army in 1427.
• Xương Giang Victory Relic is located in the northern province of Bắc Giang. The relic is where the Lam Sơn insurgents, led by King Lê Lợi, defeated the Minh army twice. In September 1427, after many months of fighting, the Lam Sơn insurgents ultimately took Xương Giang Citadel which was being occupied by the Ming army. Two months later, the insurgents surrounded and defeated tens of thousands of Ming troops, forcing the invading army to grant independence to Đại Việt. Currently, the Xương Giang Festival is held on the 2nd and 6th of the 7th lunar month each year.
• Non Nước Mountain historical relic and scenery, also known as Dục Thúy Sơn, is located to the northeast of Ninh Bình City in the northern province of Ninh Bình.  At the foot of the mountain is a famous temple dedicated to Scholar Trương Hán Siêu of the Trần Dynasty (1225-1400) who discovered Non Nước Mountain. To the east of the mountain is Non Nước Pagoda, which is renowned for its ancient stone architecture.
• Sầm Sơn historical relic and scenery is located in the central province of Thanh Hóa. The relic is a six-kilometre long beach stretching from the foot of Trường Lệ Mountain to Lạch Hới Estuary. Sầm Sơn was considered the ideal resort in Indochina by French colonialists in 1906. Currently, the beach is a popular destination among tourists in the north-central region of Việt Nam.
• Đại Phùng Communal House architectural and artistic relic is located in Ha Noi. The building, dating back to the reign of King Trần Nghệ Tông (1321-1394), still features original folk carvings that are typical of the architecture of the old Hà Tây Province, formerly known as the land of Đoài.
• Hai Bà Trưng Temple – Pagoda – Communal House architectural and artistic relic is located in Hà Nội. Also know as Đồng Nhân Temple, the relic is dedicated to worshiping national heroines Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị who rebelled against the Đông Hán army in the early 1st century. The Hai Bà Trưng Temple Festival takes place on the fifth day of the second lunar month each year.

The Prime Minister has requested the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People's Committee of the provinces where the relics are located to manage them in accordance with the Law on Cultural Heritage.

With new seven special national sites, Việt Nam now has 113 relics and landscapes granted with the status. — VNS