Temple of Literature in Hanoi

"Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám" is called the Temple of Literature in Hanoi in English, which is a unique relic and the first university in Vietnam that encourages a good attitude toward learning for most Vietnamese people.

The temple values history and culture highly in education, making plenty of students come to pray for good luck before essential examinations.

1. The main buildings in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi:

The entire relics covers an area of 54,330 m2 and features many old architectural works in the red brick walls.

These buildings are the main constructions here:

• The main gate has three doors, which are the old design of most temples in Vietnam.
• Khue Van Cac, also known as the Literature Pavilion, was built in 1805. This building has become a symbol of the studious spirit in Hanoi and the whole country, demonstrating the vision of education as the core of development.
• Stelae of Doctors: Each stele on each turtle is made of stone and engraved with the names of the doctors, Mandarins, and high-level candidates. Many students come here to try to touch the turtle's head to get good luck; however, this action is illegal to protect the typical relics.
• Thai Hoc Buildings are two buildings connected by a bridge. They worship the kings Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, Le Thanh Tong, and the famous person Chu Van An (1292–1370 ) - a teacher and high-ranking Mandarin during the Tran dynasty in Vietnam.

2. A basic history of the Temple of Literature:

The Temple of Literature was established in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong. This site was a place of worship for Khong Tu, Chu Cong, and Tu Phoi, who had good knowledge and became the spirit of education.

In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong built a school called "Quốc Tử Giám," the first university in Vietnam. This school used to be where the children of Kings and noble families studied.

By then, it had been renamed again into the National Academy, which allowed the children of civilians with excellent academic ability to learn here.

The system of doctor steles was built from 1484 to 1780 to record the names and other information of 1,300 doctors who took 82 examinations from 1442 to 1779.

Under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 -1945), "Quốc Tử Giám" was built in Hue City. The old university in Hanoi was changed to "Văn Miếu" for worshipping, so it was called the Temple of Literature.

3. Notes when visiting Quoc Tu Giam:

• Buy an entrance fee before visiting this site.
• Respect monuments and obey management regulations.
• Do not rub the turtle's head, write, draw, stand, or sit on the stele.
• The dress code for visiting the Temple of Literature is elegant and tidy. Do not wear skirts or pants that are too short; they should be over the knees.
• Do not smoke or wear a hat in the worshipping area and the gallery.
• Abusing the freedom of belief to perform superstitious activities, gambling, or fraud is strictly forbidden.
• Keep your vehicle in the right place, and manage your belongings to avoid loss.
• Professional filming activities at the Temple of Literature are only permitted with the consent of the site's leader.