The Temple of Literature – National University is considered the first university in Vietnam. The Temple of Literature is not just a historical relic but also a place of luck for many scholars. Below, Mia.vn will share the most comprehensive experience visiting the Temple of Literature for your reference. Let’s explore this site together!
1 Overview of the Temple of Literature – National University
1.1 Location
– Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
– Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
– Phone number: 02 438 452 917 – 02 438 235 601
– Reference ticket price: 30,000 VND per entry. Free admission for children under 15 years old and people with disabilities.
The Temple of Literature is located in Dong Da District, Hanoi. This place is situated among four main streets: Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Ton Duc Thang. It is definitely a must-visit destination when exploring the thousand-year heritage of Hanoi.
1.2 What does the Temple of Literature and the National University symbolize?
The Temple of Literature and the National University is not merely the first university in Vietnam, but also a symbol of the tradition of learning, representing a torch that continually burns in the journey of illuminating knowledge. Here, you will feel the immense motivation from the names inscribed on the golden plaques from our forefathers. This adds a source of energy to your journey of exploring Hanoi in search of humanity’s knowledge.
The 82 doctoral stone steles at the Temple of Literature and the National University have been recognized by UNESCO as a documentary heritage and included in the Memory of the World Register. This shows that the Temple of Literature and the National University is not only a precious heritage, the sacred soul of our nation, but has also become a cultural asset and heritage of humanity.
Today, the National University is also a place for organizing activities to honor outstanding students, hosting poetry festivals, and attracting a large number of tourists. During the traditional Lunar New Year, this place becomes a gathering point for everyone to “ask for calligraphy” with the hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
1.3 History of the National University of Literature
2 The Unique Architecture of the Temple of Literature and National University
The complex of the Temple of Literature and National University currently covers an area of over 54,300m2. This place includes many different architectural structures of various sizes. The campus is surrounded by brick walls. After many renovations, the complex still features structures such as: Dai Trung Gate, Ho Van, Van Mieu Gate, Khue Van Cac, Doctor’s Stele, Dai Thanh Gate, Thai Hoc House, and Thien Quang Well.
To the East and West are the teaching houses with a total of 14 rooms across 2 rows. The classrooms for students are organized into three rows, each containing 25 rooms, with each room accommodating only 2 people. The architecture of the Temple of Literature that you see today is from the early Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural complex of the Temple of Literature was constructed symmetrically in layers and areas along the North-South axis.
In front of the Temple of Literature, there is a large pond called Ho Van Chương. In the middle of the pond is Kim Châu mound, which previously had a pavilion for sightseeing. The main gate features four pillars, with the “Ha Ma” stele on either side, and the area is enclosed by a high wall.
3. What is there to see at the Temple of Literature ?
Currently, the architectural complex of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is divided into three main areas:
- Van Lake
- Giam Garden
- Inner sanctum of the Temple of Literature
The layout of the Temple of Literature is symmetrical, with each area and layer aligned along the North-South axis, mimicking the overall layout of the Temple of Confucius in his hometown (Qufu, Shandong, China). However, the scale here is somewhat simpler, with architecture reflecting the traditional artistic methods of the Vietnamese people (from the 17th to the 19th centuries).
3.1 Van Lake Area
Van Lake (or Minh Duong Lake) is located to the south, in front of the Temple of Literature, commonly referred to as Giám Lake by locals. According to architectural plans, this was originally the “minor minh duong” of the Temple of Literature, an integral part of the entire architectural work.
It is a clear water lake, surrounded by lush trees. In the middle of the lake, there is a raised mound of earth, on which a small, beautiful structure hides beneath the abundant foliage. The inscription from 1865 mentions that this scene introduces an architectural area that will serve as a mirror, helping to double the scenery and create a cool and gentle atmosphere right from the moment you step in.
