Biện Sơn Scenic Complex, A Prominent Tourist Destination in Nghi Sơn

21/12/2024 555 0
Từ trong đất liền trông ra, Biện Sơn giống như một con chiến mã khổng lồ đang nằm ngủ, phía đông Biện Sơn là biển cả mênh mông, phía tây là vụng Ngọc và đất liền, phía nam là hòn Cù giáp tỉnh Nghệ An, phía bắc là đảo Mê và nhiều hòn đảo khác như hòn Bung, Sổ, Sập, Nón, Duộc, Vàng... được mệnh danh là Thập bát Mã Sơn và đều có hướng quay nhìn về Biện Sơn.
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Biện Sơn Scenic Complex

A Prominent Tourist Destination in Nghi Sơn

Located in Nghi Sơn Island commune, Nghi Sơn town, Thanh Hóa province, the Biện Sơn Complex (Biện Island) is an attractive tourist destination with majestic natural landscapes and unique historical and cultural values. According to historical records, the Ngọc Sơn district (now Nghi Sơn town) was named by King Lê Thánh Tông in the 15th century with the praise: "Ngọc Sơn trung tú vạn niên cơ," which refers to this area being a gathering place of beautiful landscapes, imbued with the marks of nature over thousands of years.

From the mainland, Biện Sơn resembles a gigantic warhorse lying in rest. To the east of Biện Sơn is the vast ocean, to the west is the Ngọc inlet and the mainland, to the south is Cù Island, which borders Nghệ An province, and to the north are Mê Island and several other islands such as Bung, Sổ, Sập, Nón, Duộc, Vàng, collectively known as the "Eighteen Horse Mountains," all of which face towards Biện Sơn.

An overview of Nghi Sơn Island

Today, the Biện Sơn complex attracts visitors not only with its pristine beauty but also with its rich history and cultural heritage, which deeply reflects the spiritual life of the local inhabitants.

View from above of Biện Sơn

Originally an islet in the sea, Biện Sơn today has a road connecting it to the mainland, making it more accessible than before. This place not only boasts natural beauty but is also home to notable historical sites. Not far from the coast is the Ngọc Well, a prominent landmark in the area. From the Ngọc Well, visitors will follow the mountain path to the ancient Biện Sơn Pagoda, which has been renovated on its old foundation, reflecting the rich cultural and religious values of the local community.

A popular saying goes: "Bung, Mê, Số, Sập from the sea / Hòn Vàng sparkling towards Biện Sơn." The terrain of Biện Sơn features many peaks of varying heights, resembling the waves of the sea. Numerous caves on Biện Sơn create beautiful formations. Biện Sơn is home to Ngọc Bay, where ships can safely anchor without fear of storms or large waves. There is also the Ngọc Well, a fresh, cool spring, where fishermen often stop to fetch water for making tea. Local legends such as the story of King An Dương, My Châu, Trọng Thủy, and many historical and mythical tales are also associated with the area. The site includes temples dedicated to Trần Quý Phi, also known as the Queen Mother Temple, the Từ Vị Thánh Nương Temple, and the Sát Hải Đại Vương Temple.

A corner of Nghi Sơn Island

One must-visit site is the Quang Trung King Temple, which preserves ancient stone steles and a pair of stone elephants, confirming the temple's history dating back over 200 years. Below the Quang Trung Temple, Nghi Sơn Bay serves as a sanctuary for hundreds of fishing boats, closely linked to the economic and cultural life of the local community.

The Quang Trung King Temple in Bắc Sơn

Biện Sơn Beach also features Đông Beach, with its golden sand, gentle waves, and clear water, making it a favorite spot for tourists. The sea of Biện Sơn is abundant in shrimp, fish, and rare seafood with a distinct flavor, such as birds, mackerel, clams, crabs, and jellyfish. Notably, there are bird's nests, oysters, blood clams, mussels, and crabs that visitors will not forget after trying them. The climate in Biện Sơn is cool in the summer, with fresh air, and there is now a paved road connecting Biện Sơn to the mainland. Folk wisdom has it: "Biện Sơn's sea is silver, the forest is gold/ Anyone who goes there forgets the way back."

At the peak of Ngọc Mountain, the Tĩnh Hải fortress still retains three ancient wells, each centuries old. What makes these wells special is the Cham cultural influence, from the technique of tapping underground water sources to the well structure and construction techniques, reflecting the craftsmanship of past generations.

Ancient Well of Nghi Sơn Island

This cultural heritage system also includes festivals, beliefs, and spiritual temples closely linked to the lives of the coastal residents. One of the important festivals is the “Cầu Ngư - Fish Praying” festival, which takes place on the 16th day of the 4th lunar month each year. This is an occasion for the people of Nghi Sơn and surrounding areas to pray for a bountiful fishing season and peace.

Remaining traces of ancient architecture

The Quan Sát Hải Đại Vương Temple, located by the vast sea, is a distinctive spiritual tourism destination. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding large and small islands, including Đóc, Miệng, Bung, Sở, Sập, and Mê islands, all prominent in the open sea, easily accessible by boat.

Additionally, this area also features the Trần Quý Phi Temple (also known as the Snake Temple), which is one of the important spiritual sites for the local coastal communities. With its mysterious legends, the Snake Temple has become a popular spot for tourists interested in exploring the local history and myths.

Scenery of Nghi Sơn Eco Island Resort

In 1994, the Biện Sơn Complex was recognized as a provincial scenic site and was designated as a provincial tourist destination. Biện Sơn, along with Mê Island and nearby islands, forms an interesting island and beach eco-tourism cluster within the Nghi Sơn Economic Zone. Biện Sơn is a destination for exploration and experiential tourism. When visiting Biện Sơn, tourists can also combine their trip with visits to other famous landmarks, such as the Lạch Bạng relic cluster, Nghi Sơn fishing village, Hải Hòa beach, Am Các, and Trường Lâm caves, among others.

 

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