Especially, it is a project that is more than 200 years old. With unique architecture and historical significance, this place has become a favorite tourist destination for many tourists from all over the world. Let’s explore this interesting destination with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Temple of Literature?
Temple of Literature is located on Van Thanh Street, Huong Ho Ward, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. About 7 km southwest of Hue city center and about 110 km northwest of Da Nang city.
2. How is Temple of Literature in Hue unique?
Temple of Literature is also famous by many other names such as: Thanh Mieu, Tien Su Temple,… Besides, this is a project to worship Confucius, with great significance for famous scholars of the past.
In particular, the project is locates on a low hill, facing south and overlooking the romantic Huong Giang river. So, this is a historical site with charming scenery, both ancient and magnificent, so many tourists visited it yearly.
3. History of the formation of Temple of Literature in Hue
The history of the formation of Temple of Literature reflects a period of ups and downs of Confucianism in the country’s history. Let’s learn about the history of this monument through the two periods below.
3.1. The reign of the Nguyen Dynasty
During the period when the Nguyen Dynasty was expanding and building the southern land. The first Temple of Literature was built in Trieu Son village. By 1770 (the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat), the Temple of Literature was moved to Long Ho commune. And it became the Temple of Literature of Dang Trong, the central region of Vietnam.
In 1808, when his fortune was stabilized, King Gia Long (Nguyen Anh) officially built the Temple of Literature at its current location. The old temple at Long Ho became a place to worship Confucius’ mother.
Since then, Temple of Literature has undergone many renovations and additional constructions. Important stages of renovation took place in 1818, 1822, 1895 and 1903, to maintain and upgrade this monument.
3.2. The period after 1945 until now
In 1947, when the French colonialists invaded Vietnam. Temple of Literature was heavily destroyed by the French army, many of which were seriously damaged. During the resistance war against the French and the Americans. The Temple of Literature was not repaired.
After 1975, especially in recent years, thanks to the attention of the local government. They renovated and repaired this place and it became an unmissable destination for many tourists to Hue.
4. Temple of Literature – A mark of the flourishing period of Confucianism in the Nguyen Dynasty
Dưới thời nhà Nguyễn , Nho giáo được coi trọng. Nhà Nguyễn coi Nho giáo là nền tảng để duy trì trật tự xã hội và bảo vệ lợi ích của triều đình. Nhiều công trình kiến trúc thấm nhuần Nho giáo được xây dựng mới và củng cố để thấm nhuần tinh thần Nho giáo vào nhân dân. Trong đó có Văn Miếu.
The Temple of Literature is not only a mark of Confucianism in the Nguyen Dynasty. But also a symbol of architecture, reflecting a flourishing period of Confucianism in the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam.
Especially, this relic was built according to traditional Hue royal architecture, including many works. Such as Dai Thanh Mon, Dai Thanh Dien, Stele House, Huu Van Duong, Duy Le Duong,…These architectural parts combined together create a sacred and unique space.
5. How to get to the Temple of Literature from Hue city
Looking on the Hue tourist map, you will see quite clearly the way to Hue Temple of Literature. For the most convenience, you should follow the following route:
- From Hue Citadel: Follow Dang Thai Than Street, then turn left onto Yet Kieu Street. Go a little further then turn left onto Le Duan street.
- From Le Duan Street: Continue straight in the direction of the Perfume River from Kim Long Street, cross Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street to reach Van Thanh Street. This is the coordinates where Van Thanh Mieu is located.
6. Activities and experiences at Temple of Literature
6.1 Admiring the ancient architecture of Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature, with more than hundreds of years of history. Although it is not able to retain its ancient architectural features from ancient times. But this is still an architectural work with profound meaning, marking the prosperous history of Confucianism in the Nguyen Dynasty.
The typical remaining architectural work that retains the outstanding features of ancient royal architecture is Dai Thanh Mon Gate. They built the gate majestically, demonstrating the ingenuity and ingenuity of ancient workers. The moss covered the walls, some places are no longer intact, along with colors bearing the mark of time. It creates an ancient and majestic look for Dai Thanh Gate.
Dai Thanh Dien is locates in the middle of the Temple of Literature, worshiping Confucius. People built it on a high foundation, about 32m long and about 25m wide. They designed this palace in the same style as Hue’s snail-like temples. In front of Dai Thanh Palace, there are two houses facing each other, called Dong Vu and Tay Vu. They used to worship the seven twelve sages and Confucian immortals.
Next to the Dai Thanh Van Mieu gate, there are Huu Van Duong and Di Le Duong, houses with one room and two wings. They used for kings and mandarins to rest and prepare their clothes before entering the Temple.
Stepping through Dai Thanh Mon is the Temple of Literature yard, in this yard there are two stele houses. On the right is a stele engraved with the text “Holy Patriarch Emperor’s edict. On the left is engraved the text “The Constitution of the Emperor’s Emperor.”
6.2 Visiting 32 stone steles in Temple of Literature
Like the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, when visiting the Temple of Literature in Hue. You will see doctoral steles on the backs of turtles. These steles were built during the reign of King Minh Mang.
There are 32 stone steles here, clearly engraved with the names and hometowns of 293 doctors. In it, you can recognize famous people. Such as Huynh Thuc Khang, Tong Duy Tan, Nguyen Thuong Hien, Phan Dinh Phung,…
6.3 Checking-in to the exquisite Tinh Linh Mon
Tinh Linh Mon overlooks the romantic Perfume River. They designed this place with 4 pillars made of bricks and decorated the top with sophisticated and outstanding blue dharma. The middle of the front of Tinh Linh Mon has the words “Dao In Luong Gian” and the back has 4 words “Trac Viet Thien Co”.
6.4 Admiring Dai Thanh Mon
Dai Thanh Mon is a typical structure that still retains the outstanding features of ancient Hue royal architecture. They built the gate majestically, demonstrating the dexterity and ingenuity of ancient royal craftsmen. Despite many events, Dai Thanh Mon still stands tall as if showing the spirit of a talented gentleman.
Looking inside from Dai Thanh Mon is Dai Thanh Dien (confucius shrine). They build this place on a high foundation, length x width is 32 x 25m. People designed it according to Hue’s traditional snail-shaped architecture.
6.5 Taking beautiful photos at Temple of Literature flower garden
About 100m from Temple of Literature is the Green Life farm flower garden – a place you should visit to take hundreds of beautiful photos. The scenery here is both peaceful and poetic with thousands of butterfly flowers and brilliant sunflowers. You can check-in at many “genuine” virtual living corners here.
7. Specialties when visiting Temple of Literature
7.1 Hue Sweet Soup
Hue is famous for many types of sweet soup, each with its own delicious taste. Such as lotus seed sweet soup, floating sweet soup, taro sweet soup, roasted meat sweet soup. No need to go to big restaurants, just sit next to street vendors or small alleys, order a cup of sweet soup. And you can enjoy the sophistication of Hue’s snacks.
7.2 Nem Lui Hue (Lui Spring Rolls)
Although Lui spring rolls are not a strange dish in many other localities, in Hue, Lui spring rolls have a very unique, delicious flavor. People served Nem Lui with rice paper, herbs, and dipped in broth. They mixed dipping sauce with a thick paste, including pureed peanuts, pork liver, and minced pork.
7.3 Hue Beef Noodle Soup
Beef noodle soup is a famous specialty of Hue. When traveling to Hue, you definitely have to wake up early and eat a delicious bowl of beef noodle soup here. They simmered broth carefully from beef bones, onions, and other traditional spices to create a delicious, attractive flavor.
Hue beef noodle soup is large and soft, served with pork patties and a little blood and fatty pork hoof. Before eating, add some fresh lemon, a few pieces of chili and raw vegetables and mix well. The delicious taste of beef noodle soup in Hue is hard to compare anywhere else.
7.4 Hue Duckweed Cake (Banh Beo)
A hot cup of Banh Beo with sweet and aromatic filling comes with a bowl of slightly spicy dipping sauce. When eating, pour fish sauce over a bowl of Banh Beo, enjoy the soft, flexible taste of the dough. The aroma of fried onions, and the sweetness of the shrimp and meat filling.
7.5 Nam Pho Noodle Soup
A delicious bowl of Nam Pho noodle soup, mixed with rich shrimp and meat filling and green onion stalks. Sprinkled with a little green chili sauce, who can refuse this unique dish when traveling to Hue.
8. Accommodation when traveling to Temple of Literature
Because this destination is not too far from Hue city. So, after sightseeing and experiencing, you return to Hue city to rest. Some highly rated hotels that you can refer to.
- Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 02 Le Loi Street, Vinh Ninh, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
- Senna Hotel Hue. Address: No. 7 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
- Saigon Morin Hotel Hue. Address: 30 Le Loi Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
- Melia Vinpearl Hotel Hue. Address: 50A, Hung Vuong Street, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
- Eldora Hotel Hue. Address: 60 Ben Nghe, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue.
- Rosaleen Boutique Hotel. Address: 36 Chu Van An, Phu Hoi, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue.
9. Some other tourist attractions near Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature is located in a central position in the complex of famous monuments of Hue. From here, you can quickly move to other historical sites to explore the culture and history of Hue, such as:
- Thien Mu Pagoda Hue: 2.4km away.
- Hue Citadel: 5.5km away.
- Hue Citadel: 5.8km away.
- Chuong Duc Gate: 5.9km away.
- Flag tower: 7.3km away.
- Truong Tien Bridge: 6.5km.
10. Some important notes when traveling to Temple of Literature
When visiting, to avoid affecting the image of Temple of Literature, you should note:
- Do not carve, draw, write or sit on stone stele, decorative dragon heads, etc. to avoid affecting the aesthetics and historical value of the project.
- Maintaining general cleanliness of the building, do not litter indiscriminately.
- Preparing enough drinking water and sunscreen, hats, long-sleeved shirts, umbrellas,…
- Learning about the route in advance. This helps you avoid wasting time and effort finding your way.
- Booking a tour guide in advance: If you go on a tour or you need to learn more about the Temple of Literature.
- Firmly grasp the management board’s rules: Eat, dress, speak, use equipment, etc. according to regulations.
- Referring to previous people’s experiences: This helps you have a more complete experience.
Even though it has gone through many historical events and the architectural works are no longer as intact as before. Temple of Literature is still a precious historical relic, the pride of the people of the ancient capital in particular and of Vietnam in particular. At the same time, it is also a symbol marking a prosperous period of Confucianism. It demonstrates the tradition of valuing the talents of previous generations since ancient times.
Please immediately contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. So, you can have an attractive tour itineraries in Hue to explore the beautiful ancient capital of Hue. We also accompany you on your journey to explore this historical land with the most wonderful experiences.
