The pagoda has a long history. It was founded in the Lý dynasty and was once a place of practice for many eminent monks. Having gone through the upheavals of time, it fell into disrepair before being rebuilt and restored on its old foundations, preserving the spirit of traditional architecture and becoming a cultural and spiritual destination beloved by many visitors.

What makes Địa Tạng Phi Lai special lies not in elaborate ornamentation but in the way the pagoda blends into nature. From the gate, a stone-paved path winds between rows of green trees, leading visitors into a still, quiet space. Surrounded by rolling mountains, cool green forest, and a small pond reflecting the clouds and sky, it forms a peaceful landscape painting. The rustle of wind through the leaves, the birdsong, and the gentle scent of grass and trees make this an ideal place to rest and relax after busy days.

One of the images that gives the pagoda its own character is the white gravel courtyard with 12 circles symbolizing the 12 links of dependent origination (nhân duyên) in human life. The pristine white pebbles are arranged harmoniously, serving as a reminder to slow down and move toward mindfulness and peace of mind. Visitors usually step gently on the stone slabs in the middle of the courtyard, feeling the stillness spread through every moment.

The pagoda's architecture also has a simple yet refined beauty. The buildings use wood brown, yellow, and white as their main colors, blending harmoniously with the mountain and forest scenery. Tiled roofs, lotus motifs, dragons, phoenixes, and lines in the style of the Lý–Trần period create a space that is ancient yet approachable. Within the grounds there are also a meditation garden, a lotus pond, an orchard, and carefully tended green areas, all contributing to an elegant overall setting rich in the spirit of meditation.

More than a place of worship, Địa Tạng Phi Lai is a destination where people can regain balance in life. Many visitors choose to spend time sitting beneath the trees, reading, sipping tea, or simply listening to the pagoda bell ringing out among the mountains and forest. In the early morning or late afternoon, when soft sunlight falls on the pagoda roofs and mist still lingers on the mountain slopes, the scene becomes even more poetic and pure.

Today, Địa Tạng Phi Lai Pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also a keeper of cultural and architectural beauty and of a philosophy of living in harmony with nature. With its peaceful setting, poetic scenery, and historical value preserved across generations, the pagoda offers visitors a gentle journey to listen to themselves, appreciate the beauty of nature, and find moments of calm in the tradition-rich land of Ninh Bình.