The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám), a symbol of Thăng Long – Hanoi’s thousand-year civilization, is not only a special national historical site but also a destination that attracts both domestic and international tourists. This place was once Vietnam’s first university, nurturing countless talents for the country. Are you ready to discover the secrets and unique experiences at the Temple of Literature? Let’s explore it in detail with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” through this article!
Temple of Literature: A Must-Visit Destination in Hanoi
Located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám) is a complex of historical and cultural relics with a long history, bearing the deep imprint of Vietnamese Confucian education. It is considered a symbol of the spirit of studiousness and respect for teachers of the nation. With its unique architecture, long history, and profound cultural values, the Temple of Literature is a must-visit destination when coming to Hanoi.
Essential Information Before Visiting
- Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 70,000 VND
- Students (with valid ID): 35,000 VND
- Seniors (60+, with ID card): 35,000 VND
- People with severe disabilities: 35,000 VND
- Children under 16 years old: Free
- Dress Code: Polite, discreet, no tank tops, short skirts, or shorts.
History of Formation and Development
The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, initially as a place to worship Confucius and Confucian sages. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong built the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám) next to the Temple of Literature, becoming Vietnam’s first royal university.
Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam in the past
Throughout the feudal dynasties, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy was continuously expanded and developed, becoming the leading educational center of the country. It has trained thousands of bachelors and doctors, making important contributions to the development of Vietnamese culture and education.
Unique Confucian-Inspired Architecture
The Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy is built on an area of over 54,000 m2, bearing the bold Confucian architecture with a symmetrical and harmonious layout. The relic complex includes many different architectural works, arranged along the North-South axis, creating a solemn and ancient space.
From the main gate, visitors will pass through the areas: Van Mieu Gate, Ho Van (Literature Lake), Khue Van Pavilion, Thien Quang Well, Stele of Doctors, Dai Thanh Gate, Dai Bai Duong (Great Ceremonial House), and Khai Thanh Temple. Each area carries its own unique historical and cultural significance and value.
Directions to the Temple of Literature
There are many means of transportation for you to choose from when traveling to the Temple of Literature:
- Bus: Routes 02, 23, 32, 38, 41 all have stops near the Temple of Literature.
- Double-decker bus: This is an interesting option to admire Hanoi’s scenery along the way.
- Taxi, ride-hailing motorbike: Convenient, fast, suitable for small groups or families.
- Private car: Pay attention to one-way streets around the Temple of Literature area.
- Bicycle: A fun experience to explore Hanoi slowly and environmentally friendly.
Map to the Temple of Literature
Explore Must-See Attractions
The Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy has many attractive sights, each with its own beauty and meaning.
Van Mieu Gate
As the main gate leading into the relic site, Van Mieu Gate has a majestic and ancient appearance with traditional three-gate architecture.
Van Mieu Gate entrance
Ho Van Lake and Giam Garden
Ho Van Lake is a large lake located in front of Van Mieu Gate, creating an airy and fresh space. In the middle of the lake are Kim Chau mound and Phan Thuy Duong, where literary activities took place in ancient times. Giam Garden is a small garden located to the west of the Temple of Literature, with many green trees, lakes, and beautiful miniature landscapes.
Ho Van Lake in Temple of Literature
Dai Trung Mon Gate
As the second gate of the relic site, Dai Trung Mon Gate has traditional communal house roof architecture, with a large space around it creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Dai Trung Mon Gate inside Temple of Literature
Khue Van Pavilion
Khue Van Pavilion is a unique architectural work, built in 1805, symbolizing cultural beauty and knowledge. The eight-roofed square pavilion architecture is towering, with intricate carvings and brilliant gold-trimmed lacquer, creating a prominent highlight in the relic complex.
Khue Van Pavilion at Temple of Literature
Stele Garden of Doctors and Thien Quang Well
The Stele Garden of Doctors is where 82 stone steles are placed, inscribed with the names of doctors who passed the examinations during the feudal dynasties. Each stele is placed on the back of a stone turtle, symbolizing the longevity of knowledge. Thien Quang Well is a square well located in the center of the relic site, symbolizing the sky and the endless source of knowledge.
Stele Garden of Doctors at Temple of Literature
Khai Thanh Temple
Khai Thanh Temple is the place to worship Confucius’ parents, expressing the Vietnamese tradition of remembering the source when drinking water.
Khai Thanh Temple for Confucius' parents
Dai Bai Duong (Great Ceremonial House) and Dai Thanh Mon Gate
Dai Bai Duong is the main shrine, where Confucius and Confucian sages are worshiped. Dai Thanh Mon Gate is the gate leading to Dai Bai Duong, with tiled roof architecture and sturdy porch columns.
Dai Bai Duong (Great Ceremonial House) at Temple of Literature
Must-Try Experiences
Coming to the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, you will not only visit and admire the unique architecture but also have the opportunity to experience many meaningful cultural activities:
- Asking for calligraphy for good luck at the beginning of the year: During Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), visitors often come to the Temple of Literature to ask for calligraphy with the wish for a peaceful and lucky new year.
- Visiting cultural events: The Temple of Literature regularly organizes cultural events and art exhibitions, attracting many visitors.
- Learning about Vietnamese history and culture: The Temple of Literature is a place to preserve many valuable documents and artifacts about Vietnamese history and culture.
- Taking souvenir photos: With its ancient and unique architecture, the Temple of Literature is an ideal place for you to freely create beautiful photos.
Students praying for good luck at Temple of Literature
Notes When Visiting
To have a complete visit to the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, you should note the following:
- Dress politely and discreetly: Show respect for cultural and spiritual spaces.
- Maintain general hygiene: Do not litter, do not write or draw on walls.
- Do not touch artifacts: Avoid damaging displayed artifacts.
- Keep order and do not make noise: Ensure a quiet and solemn space.
- Comply with the regulations of the management board: Contribute to preserving and promoting the value of the relic.
Visitors should follow regulations at Temple of Literature
Suggested Nearby Attractions
The Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy is located in the city center, close to many other famous attractions of Hanoi. You can combine visiting the Temple of Literature with the following places:
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: An important historical site, once the center of power of Vietnamese feudal dynasties.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place of the great leader of the Vietnamese nation.
- One Pillar Pagoda: A pagoda with unique architecture, built on a single stone pillar.
- Hoa Lo Prison Relic (Hanoi Prison): A historical site, where Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers were imprisoned during the French resistance war.
- Hanoi Old Quarter: A bustling neighborhood with many traditional shops, eateries, and historical sites.
Hanoi Old Quarter street view
Conclusion
The Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy is not only a historical and cultural relic but also a symbol of the spirit of studiousness and respect for teachers of the Vietnamese nation. Coming to the Temple of Literature, you will discover profound cultural values, learn about the country’s heroic history, and admire the unique and ancient architecture. Take the time to visit the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy to feel the beauty and meaning of this historical site. Wish you a meaningful and memorable visit!