When mentioning Hanoi, the capital of a thousand years of culture, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Temple is one of the historical and cultural symbols that cannot be ignored. Located right in the heart of the city, this is an important historical relic and a place that preserves the quintessence of national education. With ancient architecture, peaceful space, and profound cultural values, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Temple is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the beauty and uniqueness of the capital. Readers, let's embark on a journey to discover this heritage to better understand the origins and cultural traditions of Vietnam.
An overview of Quoc Tu Giam temple
Temple of Literature seen from outside
Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Temple is a leading historical and cultural relic complex of Hanoi city, located at 57 Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District. Located in the south of the ancient Thang Long citadel, this place has become a cultural symbol of the capital, attracting the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists.
The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam has been recognized by the Prime Minister as a special national monument. In 2010, UNESCO also recognized the doctoral steles here as a world documentary heritage. With its long history and profound cultural values, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is not only a historical relic but also a cultural treasure of the Vietnamese people.
The Temple of Literature was built in the fall of 1070, under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, to honor Confucius, Zhou Gong, and the four consorts Yan Zi, Zeng Zi, Si Zi, Mencius, and Confucian sages. This place is meant to be a cultural and educational center and a symbol of the learning spirit and morality of the Vietnamese people. In 1370, after the death of Chu Van An, the Rector of the Imperial Academy, King Tran Nghe Tong had him worshiped at the Temple of Literature, next to Confucius, to honor the merits and wisdom of one of the leading educators of the court.
The Imperial Academy was built next to the Temple of Literature in 1076 under the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong with the purpose of establishing a royal school, a place to train "national students" - children of kings and nobles in the court. However, in 1253, King Tran Thai Tong expanded the Imperial Academy, allowing children of ordinary people with outstanding abilities to study, contributing to the improvement of knowledge and the development of the country.
Today, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is a famous cultural and educational relic, attracting thousands of visitors every year. This complex also preserves 82 doctoral steles, considered a symbol of the studious spirit and success in the academic career of the Vietnamese people. Many students come here to pray for luck before important exams, with the belief that the Temple of Literature will bring them luck and success in their studies.
With a harmonious combination of historical, cultural and educational values, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is the pride of Hanoi and a priceless asset of the Vietnamese people.
How many courtyards does the Temple of Literature have?
The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Temple is one of the most important historical relics of Hanoi, with a unique structure consisting of 5 large courtyards, surrounded by solid brick walls. Each courtyard in the Temple of Literature has a separate meaning and function, creating harmony and solemnity for the entire complex of relics.
The first Temple of Literature yard
The first Temple of Literature yard
The first courtyard leads from the Entrance Area to the Great Middle Gate. This is the opening space, welcoming visitors with its ancient and solemn beauty. The Great Middle Gate has a structure of three compartments, three rows of pillars, built on a high brick foundation and tiled roof. On both sides of the Great Middle Gate are two small doors, bringing balance to the entire architecture. This courtyard also has two small ponds on each side of the garden and three walking paths. In the past, the middle path was reserved for kings and mandarins, while the two side paths were for commoners and students. This courtyard is spacious and airy, shaded by green trees, bringing a sense of peace and quiet.
Second Temple of Literature
The second courtyard is home to Khue Van Cac, a unique and symbolic architecture of Hanoi. Khue Van Cac was built in 1805, a two-storey square building with 8 roofs, built on a square foundation paved with Bat Trang tiles. Below Khue Van Cac are 4 brick pillars, four empty sides, above is a wooden architecture with wooden floors and tiled roofs. Each side of the building has a round door, symbolizing the rays of the Khue star. This symbol is present on the back of the 100,000 VND banknote, demonstrating the importance and significance of Khue Van Cac in Hanoi's culture and history.
Third Temple of Literature
Thien Quang Well in the 3rd yard
The third courtyard is home to the Thien Quang Well, a unique symbol representing the harmony between heaven and earth. The well is square in shape, symbolizing the earth, and the top of the well is round, symbolizing the sky. Thien Quang Well carries a profound meaning of the connection between heaven and earth, creating a sacred and pure space. On both sides of the well are 82 doctoral steles, each recording the names of outstanding candidates who passed the feudal dynasty's examinations. These steles are placed on the backs of stone turtles, symbolizing longevity and eternity.
Fourth Temple of Literature
The fourth courtyard, located behind the Great Gate, is the main structure of the Temple of Literature. This is where Confucius and his four disciples: Mencius, Zeng Shen, Yan Hui, and Zi Si are worshiped. As the center of worship, this courtyard is where important rituals take place, especially during examination seasons. This is also where Vietnamese people often come to pray for luck and success in their studies and exams.
Fifth Temple of Literature
The final courtyard is home to Vietnam’s first academy, the Imperial Academy, founded in 1076. This was where the country’s talents were trained, from princes to the children of talented commoners. This courtyard is an important milestone in the history of Vietnamese education, contributing to the creation of a solid academic foundation and the development of national knowledge.
Each courtyard in the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Temple is not only a part of the overall architecture but also bears a strong cultural, historical and educational mark, creating a priceless relic complex for Hanoi and the whole country.
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Temple of Literature opening hours and entrance fees
Temple of Literature is a prominent historical and cultural destination of Hanoi, open to visitors all year round. Depending on the season, opening hours are adjusted to suit weather conditions and visitors' needs.
Opening hours of Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Temple
Opening hours of Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam
- In summer: Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam opens from 7:30 to 17:30.
- In winter: opening hours are adjusted from 8:00 to 17:00.
With this time frame, visitors can arrange a convenient time to explore the historical space of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, admire unique architectural works and learn about Vietnam's education through the ages.
Admission fee
- Ticket price for adults: 30,000 VND
- Ticket price for students: 15,000 VND
- Ticket price for people with severe disabilities and the elderly: 15,000 VND
Please note that students must present their student ID card when purchasing tickets to receive preferential prices. For people with severe disabilities and the elderly, they must present their citizen identification card and must be a Vietnamese citizen aged 60 or older to receive preferential ticket prices.
With reasonable entrance fees and flexible opening hours, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is an ideal place for domestic and foreign tourists to learn about the unique history and culture of Hanoi.
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Directions to Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy
The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi. This is a prime location in the center of Dong Da District, where four main streets intersect: Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam. Visitors can travel to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam by many different means of transport. Below are the ways for visitors to visit the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam:
Travel to Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy by bus
If you prefer to use public transportation, buses are a reasonable and economical option. Bus routes such as 38, 25, 02, 23, and 41 all stop near the Temple of Literature. Once you get off at the stop, it is just a short walk to get there.
Taxi or motorbike taxi
For quick and convenient travel, you can choose taxi or motorbike taxi services. This service is very popular and easy to find in Hanoi. However, to ensure safety and reasonable prices, you should choose reputable taxi companies or book a car through car booking applications.
Double-decker bus
Travel by double-decker bus
If you want a more unique experience, the double-decker bus is a great option. This is a new form of transportation in Hanoi, allowing you to explore the Temple of Literature and other famous destinations from a high angle. The double-decker bus is also a popular choice for many international tourists.
Personal vehicle
If you want to be proactive about your time and freely explore, traveling by motorbike or private car will be very convenient. When using personal vehicles, you can easily visit many other destinations in Hanoi. However, please note to look up the map in advance to avoid one-way routes or traffic jams. You can also stop to ask local people for directions, Hanoi people are very friendly.
No matter which means of transport you choose, the journey to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam will bring you many interesting experiences, helping you explore and understand more about the unique history and culture of Hanoi.
Temple of Literature Rules
The regulations for visiting the Temple of Literature are fully and clearly stated on the official website of the Temple of Literature as follows:
“In accordance with the Code of Conduct in Public Places issued by the Hanoi People's Committee, when visiting the special national relic of Temple of Literature, we request that you strictly follow the following:
- When visiting the relic, you must buy a ticket and present your ticket at the ticket check point.
- Raise awareness of protecting the relic, maintaining environmental hygiene, architecture, and landscape of the relic; Do not lie down, sit, touch artifacts, write or draw on statues, stone steles, architectural works, do not step on grass, do not pick flowers, or break branches.
- Maintain security and order, comply with regulations on fire prevention and fighting; Do not smoke within the relic premises; Do not bring weapons, dangerous weapons, toxic substances, explosives, flammable substances, live animals, etc. into the relic.
- Wear appropriate and polite clothing when visiting the relic: Do not wear hats, caps, short shirts, tank tops, shorts, etc. when visiting places of worship; Keep quiet in sacred places.
- It is strictly forbidden to take advantage of religious freedom activities to commit superstitious acts, gambling, fraud, etc.
- Visitors must be legally responsible for any damage they cause to the relic according to the provisions of law
- The relic protection unit has the right to terminate the tour program with visitors who violate the rules.
- If you discover negative phenomena, please promptly notify the permanent relic protection department at the phone number: 0243.7471322/ 0243.2115793.
Wishing you a useful and enjoyable tour!”
Above, Sinhcafe - the leading travel service provider for international visitors in Vietnam, sends readers the necessary information for a visit to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam temple. Hopefully, based on the above information, readers will have an interesting and meaningful trip! If you are looking for a tour to explore Hanoi, visit the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam temple, do not forget to refer to the latest tours at Sinhcafe.