Ngoc Son Temple (The Temple of the Jade Mountain)

Temple in Hanoi

Temple Of The Jade Mountain, Hanoi, Vietnam
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jakub Hałun

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect destination. In the center of this serene lake sits Ngoc Son Temple, a prominent historical site on a small island. The temple, dating back to the 17th century, was once part of the Hoan Kiem Lake waterfront, but is now separated by a road. This sacred temple, along with other architectural features, forms a historical complex that has been a source of pride for Hanoians for centuries.

Legend of Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple, also known as Jade Mountain Temple, was erected in the 19th century to honor Tran Hung Dao, a celebrated military commander of the Tran Dynasty. Tran Hung Dao is renowned for leading the Vietnamese army to victory over the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century. The temple also honors Van Xuong De Quan, the God of Prosperity in ancient Chinese culture and Taoist philosophy.

Initially named Ngoc Son Pagoda, the site was soon renamed Ngoc Son Temple to reflect its dedication to historical figures rather than Buddhist practices. In 1865, the temple underwent significant renovations under the direction of Nguyen Van Sieu, an eminent scholar of the Nguyen Dynasty. Additions from this period include The Huc Bridge (Light of Dawn Bridge), Tran Ba Dinh (Tidal Wave Defense Pavilion), But Thap (Pen Tower), and Dai Nghien (Ink Slab), forming a remarkable complex of relics that reflect the spiritual life of the 1000-year-old capital.

Highlights of Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple and its surrounding artifacts are considered an architectural phenomenon of Hanoi. Each part of the complex possesses unique charm and meaning, creating a harmonious structure when united. To fully appreciate the beauty of the site, begin by crossing The Huc Bridge, then explore the collection of structures leading to Ngoc Son Temple.

The Pen Tower and The Ink Slab

Before crossing The Huc Bridge, you’ll encounter The Pen Tower and The Ink Slab, impressive stone features contributed by Nguyen Van Sieu. The Pen Tower, resembling a pen with its nib pointing to the sky, symbolizes the aspiration to write upon the sky, depicting the dreams of our ancestors. The adjacent Ink Slab represents the earth, grounding these lofty aspirations.

The Huc Bridge, Dac Nguyet Lau, and Tran Ba Dinh

The Huc Bridge, a vibrant red wooden bridge with contemporary Buddhist architecture, leads to the island where Ngoc Son Temple is located. The bridge symbolizes the cluster of sunlight, believed to bring hope, luck, and happiness. After crossing the bridge, you reach Dac Nguyet Lau (Moon Gazing Pavilion), the gate to Ngoc Son Temple, adorned with symbols of longevity and power.

Vietnam-Huc-Bridge

Continuing onward, you’ll arrive at Tran Ba Dinh (Tidal Wave Defense Pavilion). This pavilion, with its intricate design, not only represents protection against natural catastrophes but also serves as a reminder to maintain cultural identity despite foreign influences.

Ngoc Son Temple

The temple consists of two main sections dedicated to worshipping Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan. The statue of Tran Hung Dao portrays the majestic commander, while the statue of Van Xuong De Quan depicts a composed philosopher. Additionally, a statue of Amitabha, a holy Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism, reflects the diverse religious beliefs in Vietnam. These statues symbolize the peaceful coexistence and unity contributing to the nation’s prosperity.

The Ngoc Son Temple (The Temple of the Jade Mountain) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Visiting Ngoc Son Temple (The Temple of the Jade Mountain)

Hours:

Open 8-6pm daily


Price:

Free

Address: Ngoc Son Temple, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Ly Thai To, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

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