Hanoi has a remarkable blend of culture and character and you will realize it as you will explore its unique places. As soon as you enter Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), you are welcomed with jubilant youngsters, clad in their gowns and hoods and posing for pictures all around.
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History of Temple of Literature Hanoi
It is a picturesque temple dedicated to Confucius – A revered Chinese Teacher and Philosopher. Built in 1070, temple has five courtyards that lead to the main temple complex towards the exit. It has been reconstructed multiple times by different dynasties. Temple not only has an impressive architecture on display but also have preserved precious and impressive relics from Vietnam‘s past.
In case, you have love for photography, Temple of Literature is an ideal place for you to capture moments in your camera. Take a stroll across its courtyards and relish your time capturing both architecture and portraits.
5 Courtyards of Temple of Literature
There are five courtyards one after another and interconnected through a Central Straight Path. Each courtyard signifies a part of Vietnamese Culture and has some unique characteristic. When you reach Third Courtyard, you find rows of stone stelae on both sides. These have the name of 1304 successful candidates in the Mandarin Examinations held between 1442 and 1779. These were the mandarins, people of virtue selected through a rigorous examination system to assist the king. Temple of Literature Hanoi is a beautiful temple that honors the values of education. You would love to walk around in temple complex interacting with smiling and warm Vietnamese.
Here are my pictures from Temple of Literature Hanoi Courtyard –
Temple of Confucius
Courtyards lead to the temple of Confucius at the end. There is a statue of Confucius in the center with his disciples on both sides. On both sides of the temple, you will find few shops and also some artists practicing calligraphy.
People at Temple of Literature
More than anything, it were the people around and vibrant vibes that mesmerize you the most. Young students clad in their Gowns and Hoods, A Calligraphy artist painting on the side and then smiling faces of Vietnamese make this place so lively.
There is a tradition that all graduating students head to temple of literature especially during weekends and you will find so many young faces posing for pics here.
Temple of Literature Opening Hours & Entry Fee
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 – 11:30 & 13:30 – 16:30
- Entry Fee: 30,000 Vietnamese Dong per person
- Please ensure to dress appropriately as this is a place of worship.
It was a very serene and peaceful experience walking around in Temple of Literature Hanoi. We hope that our blog helps you plan your trip better. Please drop us a comment in case you need any additional inputs or have more to add.