Vọng Phu Mountain - National Historical Site

21/12/2024 106 0
Located on the peak of An Hoạch Mountain (Nhồi Mountain), in An Hưng Ward, Thanh Hóa City, Vọng Phu is a limestone mountain naturally shaped like a woman gazing toward the East Sea. This image is linked to the legend of a faithful woman, becoming a beautiful symbol of loyalty and waiting for her husband, who was turned into stone. The image of Vọng Phu Mountain has also become a significant motif in ancient folk songs, as well as in literary and artistic works created by later artists.
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Vọng Phu Mountain - National Historical Site


Located on the peak of An Hoạch Mountain (Nhồi Mountain), in An Hưng Ward, Thanh Hóa City, Vọng Phu is a limestone mountain naturally shaped like a woman gazing toward the East Sea. This image is linked to the legend of a faithful woman, becoming a beautiful symbol of loyalty and waiting for her husband, who was turned into stone. The image of Vọng Phu Mountain has also become a significant motif in ancient folk songs, as well as in literary and artistic works created by later artists.

Panoramic View of Vọng Phu Mountain Peak

The peak of Vọng Phu Mountain is a massive granite block that rises vertically toward the sky, with a smaller stone beside it. From a distance, these two stones resemble the image of a mother holding her child, gazing toward the sea, waiting in vain for her husband. This is one of the most famous scenic spots in the province, not only attracting visitors with its majestic natural beauty but also embodying profound cultural and historical significance. Notably, Vọng Phu Stone is renowned for its awe-inspiring shape as a natural stone pillar, approximately 20 meters tall. It is a limestone mountain shaped by nature into the form of a wife gazing toward the East Sea, associated with the legend of a faithful woman who was transformed into stone, waiting for her husband. In Thanh Hóa folklore, there is a saying: "Vọng Phu forever young, standing faithfully, waiting, knowing who she is waiting for."

Vọng Phu Stone pillar on Vọng Phu Mountain

On the cliff at the mountain peak, there still remains a plaque from the 46th year of the Cảnh Hưng reign (1786), the Lê Thần Tông dynasty, recording the  contributions of Quận Mãn Lê Trung Nghĩa. On the Vọng Phu stone pillar, four characters ‘Kiệt nhiên trung trĩ’ (lofty, reaching up into the sky) are still visible, engraved in the 3rd year of the Thành Thái reign (1890) during the Nguyễn dynasty. On either side, there is a small inscription noting that the author of these four large characters is Nguyễn Thuật, who passed the Vice Scholar exam and held the position of governor of Thanh Hóa.

Vọng Phu Stone Pillar on Vọng Phu mountain

Today, around the area of Vọng Phu Mountain, there still remains a cluster of ancient relics, including the tomb of Mãn Quận công Lê Trung Nghĩa, Tiên Sơn Pagoda, Hình Sơn Pagoda (Thánh Mẫu Pagoda)... Each monument is a unique architectural work of art, carrying in some way the distinct imprints of the stone of Vọng Phu Mountain. According to experts and researchers, rocks from Nhồi Mountain are particularly famous and rare, with a color that shines like jade, a blue-green hue like faint smoke, and a resonance that echoes through the northern regions. Rocks from Nhồi Mountain were specially chosen by the ancients to craft stone chimes and exquisite sculptures.

The Full View of Mount Vọng Phu

One of the most remarkable features of Mount Nhồi is the rare and precious stones bestowed upon this land by nature. The stones here shines with a vibrant emerald hue, like faint smoke, and their surface gleams with the brilliance of lan-shaped jade. When struck, they emit a resonant sound, clear and pure like the tolling of a bell. Due to this distinctive acoustic property, the stones of Mount Nhồi have become the material for crafting exquisite artworks, such as statues, stone tablets, temples, and royal tombs. The stonemasons of Nhồi village have created products that are cherished not only within the country but also exported abroad, especially for projects in China.

When speaking of the art of stone carving at Mount Nhồi, it would be remiss not to visit the Quan Thánh Pagoda (Tiên Sơn Temple), built within a rocky cave, clinging precariously to the mountain's cliffs. The pagoda was established during the reign of the Later Lê Dynasty. On the rock face, at the entrance to the pagoda, one can find numerous reliefs depicting finely detailed figures of humans, elephants, and horses, along with countless large inscriptions in ancient Chinese characters etched into the mountain stone.

A Close-Up View of Hòn Vọng Phu

Upon visiting Vọng Phu Mountain, in addition to hearing the legends of the faithful woman, holding her child standing on the peak, was turned to stone while waiting for her husband, visitors can also enjoy the melodies of Đông Anh folk songs and dances. These performances vividly capture the daily lives of the people—humble yet challenging—imbued with a spirit of optimism and unwavering faith, reflecting the resilience and enduring spirit of the farmers of Thanh land.

With its full historical significance, Vọng Phu Mountain was recognized as a national scenic site by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) in Decision No. 938/QĐ-BTBVH on August 4, 1992. Today, Vọng Phu Mountain is not only a breathtaking natural landmark but also an eternal symbol of love, patience, and sacrifice. The image of the woman, standing and gazing into the distance, waiting in longing, has become deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the people of Thanh Hóa and visitors from all corners. Notably, it has become a prominent tourist destination in Thanh Hóa Province, attracting visitors to admire its scenic beauty, learn the legendary tales, and explore the unique value of the stone of Nhồi Mountain.

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