Temple of Literature Hanoi: Everything You Want to Know

One of the most important things to see in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature Hanoi, also known as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam. This temple is not only a historical and cultural landmark, but also the first national university of Vietnam. It was built in 1070 to honor Confucius and his disciples, as well as the scholars and sages of Vietnam. The temple showcases the traditional Vietnamese architecture, with its harmonious layout, elegant pavilions, ornate gates, and ancient stelae. The temple also represents the Vietnamese people's respect for education and literature, as well as their desire for moral excellence and national prosperity.

In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, cultural value, and some travel tips of the Temple of Literature Hanoi, as well as some interesting facts and tips for visiting this remarkable attraction.

History

The Temple of Literature was originally founded under Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty in 1070 to honor Confucius, known as Văn Miếu (“Văn” means Literature, “Miếu” means Temple).
Six years later, in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was built behind the Temple of Literature, and became Vietnam’s Imperial Academy, a prestigious school for top academics shortly after, under the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong.

At first, the Imperial Academy as a royal school was opened for only members of the elite such as princes, nobles, and bureaucrats. Later on, in 1253, under Tran Thai Tong’s dynasty, Imperial Academy was expanded as National Academy to accept the civilians’ children who had excellent academic abilities.

Under the reign of King Tran Minh Tong, Chu Van An was appointed Quoc Tu Giam’s mandarin, as today’s principal, who directly taught the princes. In 1370, after his death, King Tran Nghe Tong worshiped him at the Literature Temple which was located next to the Confucius.

In late Le dynasty, Confucianism became very popular. In 1484, King Le Thanh Tong set up stelae for those who passed the doctoral exam from 1442 onwards. Each stele was placed on turtle’s back which is symbol of the longevity & wisdom. Under King Le Thanh Tong’s dynasty (1460-1497), exactly 12 examinations were held every three years.

In 1802, the Nguyen dynasty’s monarchs founded the capital in Hue where they established a new Imperial Academy. During this period, the Literature Temple was called “Van Mieu Bac Thanh” (Literature Temple of the Northern Citadel) and later changed to “Van Mieu Hanoi” (Hanoi’s Literature Temple). As for Quoc Tu Giam, it became the school of Hoai Duc prefecture and then developed into the Khai Thanh Shrine, a place for honoring Confucius’ parents. By this time, the Pavilion of Constellation (Khuê Văn Các) was also built next to the side of square well.

In 1906, the Temple of Literature was ranked as a historical and cultural vestige by the General Governor to Indochina. Unfortunately, during the French war (1946-1954), the Literature Temple  was almost destroyed because of bombs.

Architecture

The whole complex of Temple of Literature covers an area of 54,331 square metres, including the Exterior (Lake of Literature & Giam Garden), and Interior Area which is divided into five sections as mentioned details below.

Architectural complex of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam was built for each zone, layer by layer along the North-South axis. It is similar to that of the temple at Qufu, Shandong (China) where is Confucius’ birthplace.

- Exterior Area: Lake of Literature & Giam Park

Lake of Literature (or Hồ Văn, or Hồ Giám, also known as Minh Duong Lake) is located in front of the main gate of Literature Temple (on the other side of the current Quoc Tu Giam Street). There is Kim Chau mound in the middle of the lake, which is the place where poetry commentary of ancient citadel took place.

Giam Garden, located on the west side of the temple, is an important space of the relic, displaying many ornamental plants, octagonal houses. It is often used as a venue for cultural and artistic activities during Tet Holidays such as: water puppet show, dragon dance, poetry performance etc.

- Interior Area: Literature Temple & Quoc Tu Giam

The Interior Area of Literature Temple is divided into five courtyards, each of which is surrounded by brick walls. There are three gates at each courtyard: the biggest one in the center and two smaller ones on either side. The first two courtyards are shady and provide a quiet buffer from the bustle of the surrounding streets. The third one contains a large pond known as the “Well of Heavenly Clarity”. The fourth hosts the House of Ceremonies, which contains a large statue of Confucius and is flanked by souvenir shops. The last one hold some of the largest structures including a bell tower and drum.

The Front of Literature Temple is an open space, making the vestige appearance looks majesty and holy. It consists of four brick pillars and two stelae commanding horsemen to dismount (Hạ Mã) on two sides. There are two lions facing each other on the top of the two highest pillars in the middle. The two other pillars are topped with four phoenixes in a charming position with out-stretched wings and tails huddled together. The two “Hạ Mã” stelae were built in 1771, in front of the entrance of Literature Temple, to remind all people, including doctors, high-ranking mandarins and emperors, getting off their horses to pay homage to the saints and the talented educational center of the country.

- The First Courtyard: Great Portico & Great Middle Gate

The first courtyard leads from the Great Portico (Khu Nhập Đạo) to The Great Middle Gate (Đại Trung Môn) with two smaller gates on sides: Attained Talent Gate (Đại Tài Môn) and the Accomplished Virtue Gate (Thành Đức Môn), which implies that a successful person should have both talent and virtue. Here you will see 2 small ponds each each side of the garden and 3 walking paths with meaning used in the past as follows: the middle one was for for the king, the royal family and the great mandarins; two small paths on each side were for students and normal people.
The Great Middle Gate, located at the end of the central path in the first courtyard, is built in the architectural style of post Le dynasty (15th-17th centuries). It is a construction with three compartments supported by wooden pillars and a red shoe-shaped tiled roof. On the rooftop, there are signs of two carps flanking a flask that were decorated with pieces of glazed terracotta and porcelain. The ground of the gate was paved with bricks that made in Bat Trang Pottery Village. The Great Middle Gate was set up on a brick platform surrounded by stone with three steps, making it sizeable and solemn.

- The Second Courtyard: Success Courtyard and Pavilion of Constellation

Pavilion of Constellation (Khuê Văn Các) was built in 1805. The architecture includes 4 square brick pillars (85cm x 85cm) supporting the upper attic, with very beautiful wooden structures. It is not too big but the pavilion has unique and harmonious architecture. Pavilion of Constellation has a red elaborate roof with two circular windows and a bronze bell which is only rung on special occasions. Pavilion of Constellation was originally used to hold a review of the beautiful essays from the students who passed the examinations.

Pavilion of Constellation, a familiar image featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote, is the symbol of Hanoi today.

- The Third Courtyard: Well of Heavenly Clarity & Garden of the Doctors’ Stelae

The third courtyard starts with square shape well which also known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity (Thien Quang Well). The square represents the earth while the circle at the top of the pavilion represents the sky which created a harmony between the sky and earth. This well functions as a mirror absorbing the best essence of the universe, and helped students see themselves and dress up before entering the sacred inner part.

On both sides of the Well of Heavenly Clarity are 82 stelae, known as the Doctors’ Steles, mounted on stone tortoises. Each stele recorded details of candidates who successfully passed the state royal examinations held at the National Academy from 1442 to 1779, and thus are a precious historical resource. Tortoise is considered to be a holy creature and a symbol of longevity and wisdom in ancient Vietnamese tradition. It used to be good luck for pupils and students to rub the heads of the turtles before their important exams, but in order to preserve these stone turtles, everyone is forbidden to touch them now.

- The Fourth Courtyard: Gate of Great Success & Attained Talent Sanctuary

The fourth courtyard lies behind the Gate of Great Success, the central area, as well as the main architecture of the Temple of Literature. It consists of two large works arranged parallel and connected by other houses. This place is used for the worshiping of Confucius, four most brilliant students of Confucius (Mencius, Yanhui, Zengshen, and Zisi) and Ten Chinese Philosophers.

This is where most Vietnamese visit and make their offering especially during the exam period.

- The Fifth Courtyard: The Imperial Academy

The fifth courtyard housed Vietnam’s actual first academy that was established in 1076 with the principal aim of educating the country’s high officials. In 1946, it was destroyed in the First Indochina War. The present Imperial Academy was reconstructed in 2000 on the former ground of Quoc Tu Giam. Nowadays, there are several exhibits here with a statue of Chu Van An, one of the Academy’s rectors and a beloved figure in Vietnamese history for his dedication to teaching. There are also many cultural events held at the hall in this courtyard, as well as displays of old uniforms that the scholars wore while studying there.

In this area, incense are often lighted and flowers are offered by students and their parents especially at the time of examinations.

Cultural Value

The Temple of Literature Hanoi is not only a historical and architectural gem, but also a cultural and spiritual treasure of Vietnam. The temple represents the values and ideals of the Vietnamese people, such as the respect for education, literature, and morality, the aspiration for national development and prosperity, and the pride and identity of the nation.

The temple is a place where the Vietnamese people honor and commemorate their ancestors, teachers, and scholars, who have contributed to the intellectual and cultural heritage of the country. The temple is also a place where the Vietnamese people celebrate and promote their traditions, customs, and arts, such as the calligraphy, the poetry, the music, and the festivals. The temple is also a place where the Vietnamese people seek and receive inspiration, guidance, and blessing, for their personal and professional endeavors.

The temple is a cultural and educational center, where various activities and events are organized and hosted, such as the ceremonies, the exhibitions, the performances, the lectures, and the workshops. The temple is also a cultural and educational attraction, where many visitors, both domestic and foreign, come to learn and appreciate the history, culture, and beauty of Vietnam.

The temple is a cultural and spiritual symbol, which reflects the essence and the identity of the Vietnamese nation, as well as its connection and contribution to the regional and global civilization. The temple is also a cultural and spiritual bridge, which connects the past and the present, the tradition and the modernity, the local and the global, and the people and the sages.

Interesting facts about Temple of Literature Hanoi

The Temple of Literature Hanoi is not only a historical and cultural attraction, but also a place full of interesting facts and stories. Here are some of them:

• The temple is the oldest university in Vietnam, and one of the oldest in the world. It was founded in 1076, more than 200 years before Oxford University in England, and more than 400 years before Harvard University in the USA.
• The temple has a unique architectural feature, called the "flying eaves", which are the curved and upward-sloping roofs of the pavilions and halls. The flying eaves are designed to prevent rainwater from dripping on the walls and foundations, as well as to create a sense of lightness and grace.
• The temple has a special relationship with the turtle, which is the symbol of the temple. The turtle is a sacred animal in Vietnamese culture, as it represents longevity, wisdom, and stability. The temple has many stone turtles, which support the stelae of the graduates, as well as a bronze turtle, which guards the main shrine. The temple also has a legend about a golden turtle, which appeared in the pond and gave a precious sword to a king, who used it to defeat the invaders and liberate the country.
• The temple has a secret tunnel, which connects the temple with the Imperial Citadel, which was the former residence and office of the kings and the government. The tunnel was used as an escape route and a communication channel, in case of emergencies or dangers. The tunnel is now closed and inaccessible to the public, but it still remains a mystery and a curiosity for many visitors.
• The Literature Temple of Hanoi is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Hanoi, as it is a remarkable example of the history, culture, and architecture of Vietnam. Therefore, any Hanoi city tour should include this place in its itinerary. You can refer to our day tours in Hanoi or our 3-day itinerary in Hanoi to get some ideas for your Vietnam trip. Alternatively, you can add the Literature Temple of Hanoi to your customized itinerary to Vietnam.

What you should know when visiting Literature Temple of Hanoi

If you are planning to visit the Temple of Literature Hanoi, here are some tips to make your visit more enjoyable and meaningful:

• The temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for some holidays and special occasions. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND (about 1.3 USD) per person, and you can buy the tickets at the main gate or the side gates.
• The temple is located in the center of Hanoi, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. You can easily reach the temple by taxi, bus, motorbike, or bicycle. You can also walk from the Old Quarter, which is about 2 km away.
• The temple is a place of worship and study, so you should dress modestly and respectfully, and avoid making loud noises or taking flash photos. You should also follow the instructions and signs of the staff and the guides, and respect the rules and regulations of the temple.
• The temple is a place of culture and education, so you should take the opportunity to learn more about the history, architecture, and significance of the temple, as well as the Confucian philosophy and the Vietnamese literature and culture. You can join a guided tour, which is available in different languages, or you can use an audio guide, which you can rent at the entrance. You can also read the information boards and the brochures, which are provided in the temple.
• The temple is a place of inspiration and blessing, so you should take the time to admire the beauty and the tranquility of the temple, and to reflect on your own life and goals. You can also participate in some activities and rituals, such as writing a wish on a red paper and hanging it on a tree, or receiving a calligraphy work from a master calligrapher, or praying for good luck and success at the shrine.

The Temple of Literature Hanoi is a historical and cultural gem of Vietnam, which you should not miss when you visit Hanoi. It is a place where you can learn, appreciate, and enjoy the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnam, as well as a place where you can find inspiration and blessing for your own journey.

Getting to Hanoi's Temple of Literature

Located around 3km far from Hoan Kiem Lake, it takes you about 10-15 minutes of drive. There are various transports to choose such as bus, taxi or rented motorbike. For most comfortable and interesting experience, a private car/ van with experienced tour guide will be good recommendation.

Opening Hours:  Summer time (15/4-15/10): open weekdays from 7:30 am to 17:30 pm. Winter time (16/10-14/4): is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 17:30 pm.
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Price Ticket: 70,000 VND/ visitor.

The Temple of Literature is considered as one of Hanoi’s most sacred places. What stands now is a spectacular example of Indochinese architecture and a reflection of the country’s several imperial histories after almost 1000 years as well. It is also an important site for education and during the graduation season there will be hundreds of students posing for photos and waiting for blessings. We highly recommend all travellers to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam), to bask in its picturesque gardens where ancient scholars studied, to admire the grand trees and to look the tranquil well that have witnessed centuries of Vietnamese history.

Last updated on 2024-01-24 09:04:24.