Temple of Literature Hanoi is a city that has a lot of charm, history, and culture to offer to travelers. Among the many attractions in Hanoi, one of the most impressive and meaningful ones is the Temple of Literature. The Temple of Literature, or Văn Miếu in Vietnamese, is a temple dedicated to Confucius and also the site of Vietnam’s first national university. It is a place where you can learn about the ancient education system, admire the architecture and art, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Temple of Literature, such as the location, the history, the best time, the entrance fee, and the things to do.
Location of the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is located in the center of Hanoi, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Hoan Kiem Lake. It is easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, motorbike, bicycle, or on foot. You can find the temple on Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District. The temple is open from Monday to Sunday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm in summer (April to October) and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in winter (November to March).
History of the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a temple to worship Confucius and his disciples. In 1076, his son Emperor Ly Nhan Tong established the Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam) as a royal school for the sons of the nobility and the elite. The academy was later opened to talented scholars from all over the country who had to pass rigorous exams to enter and graduate. The academy operated for nearly 700 years and produced many famous scholars and mandarins who contributed to the development of Vietnam.
The temple and the academy underwent several restorations and expansions during different dynasties and periods. The temple was also damaged by wars and natural disasters but was always repaired and preserved by the authorities and the people. The temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1962 and as a special national relic in 2012. The temple is also featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
Best Time to Visit the Temple of Literature
The best time to visit the Temple of Literature is in spring (February to April) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant and the flowers are blooming. You can also visit the temple during some festivals and events such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which usually falls in late January or early February; Teacher’s Day, which is on November 20th; or Calligraphy Festival, which takes place on every full moon night from January to March. These are occasions when you can witness some traditional ceremonies, performances, and activities at the temple.
The worst time to visit the Temple of Literature is in summer (June to August) or winter (December to January) when the weather is hot and humid or cold and foggy and the scenery is less attractive. You may also encounter more crowds and noise during these seasons.
Entrance Fee for the Temple of Literature
The entrance fee for the Temple of Literature is 30,000 VND (about 1.3 USD) for adults and 15,000 VND (about 0.7 USD) for students (student card required). You can buy your ticket at a booth near the entrance of the temple. You can also buy some souvenirs, snacks, or drinks at some stalls nearby.
The Temple of Literature is not only a sight to behold but also a place to enjoy some cultural and educational activities. Here are some of the things you can do at the Temple of Literature:
- Learn about the ancient education system: The Temple of Literature is a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Vietnam’s education system. You can see the layout and structure of the temple and the academy, which reflect the principles and values of Confucianism. You can also see the statues and altars of Confucius and his disciples, who are revered as the founders and teachers of Vietnamese education. You can also see the stelae of doctors, which are stone tablets that record the names and achievements of the graduates of the academy. These stelae are considered as precious relics and symbols of Vietnam’s intellectual heritage.
- Admire the architecture and art: The Temple of Literature is a place where you can admire the architecture and art of different dynasties and periods. You can see the gates, pavilions, halls, courtyards, wells, ponds, and gardens that are designed and decorated in various styles and motifs. You can also see the sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and woodwork that are displayed and preserved in the temple. You can also see the Khue Van Cac, which is a four-roofed pavilion that is considered as the symbol of Hanoi and Vietnamese culture.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere: The Temple of Literature is a place where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can walk around the temple and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature. You can also sit and relax in some shaded areas or benches and listen to the sound of water and birds. You can also meditate or pray in some quiet corners or halls and feel the spiritual energy of the temple.
- Try some calligraphy: The Temple of Literature is a place where you can try some calligraphy, which is an art form that involves writing beautiful characters with a brush and ink. You can find some calligraphers outside the temple who will write your name or your wishes in Vietnamese or Chinese characters on a piece of paper or a red cloth. You can also learn some basic strokes and techniques from them. You can keep your calligraphy as a souvenir or as a home decoration for special occasions.
Contact us:
Car For Rent Hanoi VietNam
https://zalo.me/0986244358
Conclusion
The Temple of Literature is a cultural and historical attraction in Hanoi that deserves to be visited and appreciated by travelers who love learning and exploring. It has a rich history, a diverse culture, a convenient location, and a reasonable price. It also has some enjoyable activities that can make your visit more memorable and fun. We hope this guide has given you some useful information and inspiration for visiting the Temple of Literature. Have a great time at the Temple of Literature!
