Temple Of Literature

Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature is one of the most iconic landmarks of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The temple is a cultural and educational complex that served as the first national university in the country. Built in the 11th century, the Temple of Literature is an important cultural and historical site that attracts thousands of visitors annually. This essay will discuss the basic facts about the Temple of Literature, its history, significance, tourist attractions, and what to see in the temple.

Basic Facts about the Temple Of Literature

The Temple of Literature is in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, Vietnam. The temple address is 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District. The opening time of the temple is from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, and the entrance fee for visitors is VND 30,000, equivalent to $1.32. The temple is closed on Mondays and during the Vietnamese New Year holidays.

The Temple of Literature is located in the heart of Hanoi, and several Vietnam tourist attractions are around the temple. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, just a few blocks from the temple. The mausoleum is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam. Other attractions around the temple include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Hanoi Flag Tower, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

History Of the Temple Of Literature

The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, his disciples, and Chu Van An, a famous Vietnamese Confucian scholar. The temple served as the first national university in Vietnam, where talented students from across the country could study literature, history, philosophy, and politics. The university was open to men of all social classes who passed the entrance exams, which were held annually.

The Thien Quang Well

During the 15th century, the Ming Dynasty renovated the temple, and the complex was expanded to include a lake, a pavilion, and more buildings. In the 18th century, the Nguyen Dynasty renovated and added more buildings.

The temple was damaged during the French colonial period and restored in the 20th century. Today, the temple is a national monument and a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors annually.

The Significance Of the Temple Of Literature

The Temple of Literature is an important cultural and historical site in Vietnam that represents the country's rich cultural heritage. The temple served as the first national university in the country, and it played an essential role in shaping Vietnamese intellectual and cultural life. The temple symbolizes Confucianism, a philosophy that has influenced Vietnamese society for centuries.

The Temple of Literature is also significant because it represents the country's resistance against foreign occupation. Despite being damaged during the French colonial period, the Vietnamese people restored and preserved the temple, which shows their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.

What To Tour the Temple Of Literature

Visiting The Temple of Literature is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. Generally, it takes around 1-2 hours to visit the main highlights of the temple, such as the courtyards, pavilions, and the doctors’ steles. The Temple of Literature is a large complex comprising several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The temple’s main attraction is the Van Mieu, the central courtyard of the main buildings. The courtyard is surrounded by a high wall and is entered through a gate called Dai Thanh.

The main buildings in the courtyard include the Dai Thanh Gate, the Khue Van Pavilion, and the Thien Quang Well. These buildings are decorated with intricate carvings and are considered some of the finest examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

The temple also has several other courtyards, including the Thien Truong, the Tu Phu, and the Trieu Tuong courtyards. These courtyards have several small pavilions, gardens, and statues that depict famous Confucian scholars, including Chu Van An, Confucius, and his disciples.

The doctors' steles

One of the temple's most popular attractions is the doctors' steles. The steles are stone tablets inscribed with the names of the students who passed the royal exams during the Le and Nguyen Dynasties. There are 82 steles in the temple, and they are considered to be the most significant collection of historical records in Vietnam.

Another popular attraction in the temple is the Quoc Tu Giam, the temple of the imperial academy. The academy was established in the 11th century and was the highest educational institution in the country. The academy trained thousands of scholars who became government officials and played essential roles in the country's history.

How To Get the Temple Of Literature

The Temple of Literature is located in the center of Hanoi and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service to the temple. The nearest bus stop is just a few meters from the temple, and several taxi and ride-sharing services are available there.

Notice

When visiting the Temple of Literature, visitors must dress appropriately and show respect for the cultural and historical significance of the temple. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees and remove their shoes before entering the buildings. It is also essential to be mindful of the other visitors and avoid making loud noises or misbehaving.

Conclusion

The Temple of Literature is an important cultural and historical site in Vietnam that represents the country's rich cultural heritage. The temple served as the first national university in the country and played an essential role in shaping Vietnamese intellectual and cultural life. The temple is also significant because it represents the country's resistance against foreign occupation. Visitors to the temple can enjoy the beautiful architecture, gardens, and doctors’ steles. The temple is easily accessible by public transportation and is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Hanoi.

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