Temple of Literature Hanoi: Information, Address, Opening Hours
The Temple of Literature is one of the most iconic symbols associated with Hanoi. It is not only an attractive tourist destination and a premier historical site of Vietnam, but it also represents the country’s longstanding tradition of education. This monument is frequently visited by students in Hanoi seeking good luck before their exams.
Overview of the Temple of Literature Hanoi
The Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy is a significant historical, cultural, and religious complex in Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 to honor Confucian sages, and in 1076, the Imperial Academy was established next to it, becoming Vietnam’s first university. Initially, only members of the royal family or the offspring of high-ranking officials could study there.
Over time, the function of the Imperial Academy expanded to admit exceptionally talented commoners who excelled in imperial examinations. The National College was founded in 1253 by King Tran Thai Tong, marking the development of educational training at the Temple of Literature.
During the reign of King Tran Minh Tong, Chu Van An was appointed as the headmaster of the Imperial Academy to directly tutor the crown princes. After his death in 1370, King Tran Nghe Tong ordered the construction of his tomb and an altar at the Temple of Literature, placing him alongside Confucius.
In the Later Le Dynasty, Confucianism reached its peak. From 1442 onwards, King Le Thanh Tong initiated the erection of stone steles on turtle backs to honor those who achieved the doctoral degree, ensuring their names were recorded for posterity. From that point, the Le Dynasty organized 12 triennial doctoral examinations. During King Le Hien Tong’s reign, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy underwent renovations, transforming it into an advanced training and educational center for the court’s mandarins.
In the Nguyen Dynasty, the Imperial Academy was relocated to Hue. In 1802, King Gia Long designated the site as Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and added the Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature beside the square well.
In early 1947, French colonial artillery destroyed much of the structure, leaving only the foundation, two stone columns, and four stone slabs. Today, the entire Thai Hoc courtyard spans 1,530 square meters within a total area of 6,150 square meters. The main architectural structures include the Front Building, Rear Building, Left and Right Buildings, Bell House, and Drum House, all modeled after traditional architecture on the original site of the Imperial Academy.
Attractions at the Temple of Literature
1. Van Mieu Mon
Van Mieu Mon, also known as Mon Dinh Khang Vo, is one of the notable architectural features within the Temple of Literature complex. It serves as the main entrance to the temple, standing at 22 meters high and weighing approximately 50 tons. The gate is constructed from wood and limestone with intricate carvings. At the top of the entrance, there is a statue of the Golden Turtle (Kim Quy), symbolizing luck and success.
Traditionally, students who passed the imperial examinations would pay homage at Van Mieu Mon, seeking good fortune and success in their exams, hoping to become government officials or mandarins. Today, Van Mieu Mon is one of Hanoi’s most famous tourist attractions and is often regarded as a symbol of Vietnam’s traditional education system.
2. Giam Lake
Giam Lake, also known as Van Lake or Duong Minh Lake, is located directly opposite the Temple of Literature’s gate. In the middle of Giam Lake is Kim Chau Islet, where Phan Thuy Duong Pavilion was built. Historically, Phan Thuy Duong served as a venue for scholars to critique poetry and literature.
3. Dai Trung Mon
Dai Trung Mon is the second gate of the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy complex. This structure comprises three compartments built on a high brick foundation with ancient-style tiled roofs. The area in front and behind Dai Trung Mon features spacious paths, lush greenery, and clear ponds, creating a serene and tranquil scene amidst the bustling city of Hanoi.
Along with other features within the Temple of Literature complex, Dai Trung Mon is now one of the most popular and renowned traditional destinations for both domestic and international tourists, especially during Vietnam’s Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations.
4. Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of the Constellation)
Built in 1805 during the Nguyen Dynasty, the Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature is considered one of the most elegant historical structures within the Temple of Literature complex. The pavilion features an octagonal upper story with eight roofs, standing nearly 9 meters high. The architecture includes four finely decorated square brick pillars supporting the upper floor. The upper floor is painted in lacquer with gold leaf and has two layers of bright red tiled roofs. The circular windows on the upper floor give the pavilion a distinctive look, resembling the shining Khue star.
5. Thien Quang well (Well of Heavenly Clarity)
Located near the doctoral steles and right behind the Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity is a square-shaped well symbolizing the earth. Also known as Ao Van, this well was designed to collect the essence of the universe, reflecting and enlightening knowledge.
6. 82 Doctoral Steles
The 82 large stone steles, known as Doctoral Steles, are situated on either side of the Well of Heavenly Clarity. Each stele is mounted on the back of a stone turtle, a symbol of longevity and wisdom, intricately carved in various styles. These steles commemorate the 82 top scholars who excelled in the imperial examinations during the feudal dynasties of Vietnam.
7. Dai Thanh Mon
Similar in architecture to Dai Trung Mon, the Dai Thanh Mon was built in the Later Le Dynasty style, featuring three compartments with red-painted doors adorned with dragon and cloud motifs and rows of columns. Above the gate hangs a plaque inscribed with the three Chinese characters “Đại Thành Môn” symbolizing great achievements.
8. Dai Bai Duong (House of Ceremonies)
Passing through the Dai Thanh Mon and a wide courtyard paved with Bat Trang bricks, you will reach the central area of the Imperial Academy, the solemn House of Ceremonies. This structure has nine compartments, with two side walls on either side. Only the central compartment is used for worship, while the others are left empty.
9. Temple of Khai Thanh
Located at the innermost part of the Temple of Literature complex, the Temple of Khai Thanh is dedicated to the parents of Confucius, Thuc Luong Ngot and Nhan Thi.
The Temple of Khai Thanh has witnessed many historical changes. Previously, it was a large residential area with over 150 rooms for academy students, symbolizing the nation’s prosperity and presence of knowledge. However, in 1946, French colonial artillery destroyed the Temple of Khai Thanh, nearly obliterating it completely.
Night Tour of the Temple of Literature
The night tour of the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy is a new tourism product that offers visitors a unique experience compared to daytime visits. The entire heritage site is transformed with a system of lighting and 3D mapping technology, creating a new, enchanting, and emotional atmosphere.
Every architectural relic and heritage space becomes more impressive and sparkling, while still maintaining the serene and refined character of the site, which is considered Vietnam’s first national university. This enhancement promises to reveal a familiar yet fresh perspective of the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy. The night tour of the Temple of Literature is Hanoi’s fourth night tour, following the night tours of Hoa Lo Prison, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the Vietnam Literature Museum.
The ticket price is 199,000 VND per person, with free admission for children under 1 meter tall.
To find out what’s interesting to do in Hanoi at night, see: Top 12 Things To Do In Hanoi At Night
How to Get to the Temple of Literature
To visit the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy in Hanoi, you can use the following transportation options:
- Bus: Most bus routes in Hanoi have stops at the Temple of Literature, making it convenient to reach by bus. Popular routes include numbers 02, 23, 38, 25, and 41A.
- Taxi or Motorbike Taxi: These are very common in Hanoi and can be easily found in any part of the city.
- Motorbike: If you plan to travel by motorbike, you can rent one to get here. Renting a motorbike in Hanoi is quite easy and affordable.
The Temple of Literature is located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi. You can easily find this address on the map.
To learn about the museums in Hanoi, see: Top 8 Museums in Hanoi You Should Visit
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
The opening hours of the Temple of Literature are as follows:
– Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Please note that the opening hours may change during holidays and special events. Additionally, since this is a popular tourist spot, it’s advisable to arrive a bit early to avoid long waits.
Entrance Fees for the Temple of Literature
- Adults: 30,000 VND per person
- Students: 15,000 VND per person
- Disabled individuals and seniors (over 60 years old): 15,000 VND per person
- Children under 15 years old: Free
Notes for Visiting the Temple of Literature
To ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit to the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Wear appropriate, respectful, and formal attire.
- Respect the relics and do not damage or disturb any artifacts, documents, or landscapes.
- Do not rub the turtles’ heads or sit on the doctoral steles.
- Follow the rules for maintaining security and order within the Temple grounds.
- Light only one incense stick and do so in designated areas.
- Do not bring food or drinks into the Temple of Literature.
Conclusion
Having endured thousands of years of development and even periods of war, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy in Hanoi still preserves ancient relics and valuable historical artifacts. Its unique historical and architectural features have made it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. It is an ideal place to explore and learn about Vietnam’s history, culture, and knowledge.
