Temple of Literature

Temple in Hanoi

Temple Of Literature, Hanoi
CC BY-SA 2.0 / thalling55

Located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature was founded in 1070, nearly 1000 years ago, by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a temple dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius.

About the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, one of Hanoi’s most significant monuments, was expanded in 1076 when Emperor Ly Thanh Tong’s son established the Imperial Academy as a royal school exclusively for the elite, including princes, nobles, and bureaucrats. Considered Vietnam’s first university, the Imperial Academy operated for about 700 years and educated hundreds of renowned scholars and mandarins. Despite enduring numerous wars and natural disasters, the Temple of Literature has retained its architectural and cultural value.

Architecture

Spanning over 54,000 square meters, the Temple of Literature is surrounded by an ancient brick wall and consists of five courtyards, each with distinct styles.

  1. The First Courtyard – Đại Trung Môn Entering through the Great Middle Gate, you are welcomed by lush greenery, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The side gates, named Virtue Gate and Talent Gate, reflect the King’s expectations for high-achieving students. Notably, a fish symbol atop the gate represents a student’s transformation through diligent study.
  2. The Second Courtyard – Khuê Văn Các The Pavilion of Constellation, a symbol of Hanoi depicted on the 100,000 Vietnam dong banknote, stands here. Built in 1805, it signifies the brightest star, symbolizing prosperous education. Inside, a thousand-year-old bronze bell is rung only on auspicious occasions.
  3. The Third Courtyard – Thien Quang Well Known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity, this square-shaped well symbolizes harmony between the sky and earth. It not only maintains the Temple’s tranquil atmosphere but also serves as a mirror for students preparing to enter the sacred inner parts. The courtyard also features unique stelae carried by stone turtles, inscribed with historical information and praises for Confucianism and the Emperor.
  4. The Fourth Courtyard – Đại Thành Môn This courtyard, meaning the gate to great success, includes the House of Ceremonies and the sanctuary to Confucius. The red columns and wood beam ceilings adorned with antique lanterns create a stunning visual. The central altar, a common feature in Vietnamese households, symbolizes ancestral worship with elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, accompanied by offerings and incense.
  5. The Fifth Courtyard – The Grounds of Imperial Academy The fifth courtyard features a ground floor with a statue of Chu Văn An, a revered teacher and the first rector of the Imperial Academy, along with artifacts about Confucian education. The upper floor honors the three kings who contributed significantly to the temple and academy: Ly Thanh Tong, who founded the temple, Ly Nhan Tong, who established the Imperial Academy, and Le Thanh Tong, who commissioned the stone turtles and Stelae of Doctors in 1484.

The Temple of Literature appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Visiting Temple of Literature

Hours:

In summer ( From April to October) : 07:30-17:30

In winter (From October to April) : 08:00-17:00


Price:

Adults: 30,000 VND (~US$ 1.3)

Address: Temple Of Literature, Phố Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hanoi, Vietnam

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