Temple of Literature stone steles seek world heritage status

Documents about stone steles of doctoral candidates in the Le – Mac dynasties (1442-1779) have been completed and sent to UNESCO for recognition as a world cultural heritage.
The move was announced by the cultural activity center at Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) – Quoc Tu Giam (the first National University of Vietnam) in Hanoi.
According to experts, 82 stone steles at the Temple of Literature provide information about candidates who received their doctorates there.
The UNESCO committee in Vietnam has also nominated the Dong Van Highlands in Ha Giang Province for recognition as a global geological park.
Dong Van Highlands comprise four mountainous districts in the north of Ha Giang: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac and Dong Van.
It covers an area of more than 574 square kilometers at a altitude of more than 1,000 meters above sea level in the province that neighbors China.
Limestone can be found on the surface of more than 80 percent of the park. Scientists say there are 11 layers, two of which have sediments dating back to between 400 and 600 million years.