The Temple of Literature is a unique historical and cultural attraction to visit in Hanoi. It was founded right after Thang Long (now Hanoi) became the capital city of Vietnam in the 11th century.
I prefer to call this place Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám because the complex encompasses two parts: Văn Miếu and Quốc Tử Giám. Văn Miếu is the worship place to Confucius and Quốc Tử Giám is considered the first National University of Vietnam. They are in the same ground next to each other.
The Temple of Literature only reflects the first part of the complex, but it should be understood that it consists of two parts, a temple dedicated to Confucius and an old National University.
With a history of over 1,000 years, this place offers the essence of Confucian education, ancient architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Despite the time and the war, many structures of the complex were built from the feudal periods of Vietnam such as the Le and Nguyen Dynasty.
The highlight of the complex is The Khue Van Cac pavilion built in the Nguyen Dynasty in 1805. It’s an iconic symbol of Hanoi and is also printed in the 100,000 VND Vietnamese bank note.
The 82 stone steles is another important site of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám. It was recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage, inscribed with the names of doctoral graduates from the royal examinations held between 1442 and 1779. These stone steles were first erected in 1484 and last erected in 1780
In this article, I will show you the location, the history, how to get to, the architecture, and things to do at the Temple of Literature. I hope that my article will give you some good information before visiting and help you to decide whether it’s worth visiting or not.
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Location of the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is located in Dong Da district, around 2km west of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s 1km south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum.
The exact location of the Temple of Literature is at 58 Quốc Tử Giám street. It’s bounded by 4 main streets, Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Ton Duc Thang streets.
The main entrance and the ticket counter is located on Quoc Tu Giam Street, so I recommend going to the right street for the best exploration.
How to get to the Temple of Literature
Most visitors to Hanoi stay in the Old Quarter. Depending on your location in the Old Quarter, you can walk from 30-40 minutes to get to the Temple of Literature. I stayed in a homestay in Hang Da street at the time, and my walk to the temple of Literature is around 20 minutes.
The walk can be challenging in the hot summer days, so you can take easier options such as using GreenSM or Grab taxi or motorbike.
The ride is just 5-10 minutes away and the cost is around 40-50k VND. I recommend using a motorbike if you’re a solo traveler and want a budget-friendly ride.
Entrance Ticket and Opening Hours
The Temple of Literature is open everyday from 8am to 5pm. They also open in the evening from 6.30 to 9pm on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The entrance ticket is 70k VND for adults. The ticket is free for children under 16 years old. There are discounts for students who study in Vietnam and elderly Vietnamese citizens.
You can buy tickets directly onsite at the ticket booth at the main entrance to the temple. When I visited this place in the late afternoon, there was a bit of a queue for buying the ticket, but the line moved quite quickly.
History of the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature refers to “Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám” in Vietnamese. The complex can be divided into two main sections: “Văn Miếu” – a place of worship for Confucian scholars, and the “Quốc Tử Giám” – a school for training Confucian intellectuals.
In 1070. King Ly Thanh Long built Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature) to worship Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. “Miếu” means the place of worship, “Văn” means Literature.
It was also a place of study for the crown prince. Prince Lý Càn Đức (later King Lý Nhân Tông) was the first student there.
In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong built the Quốc Tử Giám behind Văn Miếu to educate the children of of the king and noble people (so it was called Quốc Tử). “Quốc” means country, “Quốc Tử” son of the king (royal family). “Giám” means to oversee or supervise.
From 1253, King Trần Thái Tông allowed children of commoners with outstanding academic abilities to attend school.
In 1484, King Le Thanh Tong started to erect doctoral steles, recording the names of those who passed the examinations in 1442. There were 82 doctoral steles erected from 1484 to 1780 of 82 examinations from examinations in 1442 to 1779.
In 1785, under the reign of Quốc Tử Giám was changed the name to Thái Học. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi lost its status as the national University as King Gia Long (first King of Nguyen Dynasty) moved the capital city to Hue and built the new Quốc Tử Giám there.
Hanoi’s Quốc Tử Giám became a regional school for Northern Vietnam. The Nguyen Dynasty built the Khue Van Cac pavilion in 1805. Thái Học building was changed to Khải thánh temple to worship the parents of Confucius.
In 1900, under French colonial rule, The French used Văn Miêu and Khải Thánh Temple as a school of trumpeters. The Temple of Literature became deserted during the Indochina war (1946-1954).
Currently, the site still preserves some architectural elements from the Le and Nguyen dynasties. The Thai Hoc building was recently restored by the government in 1999-2000.
The architecture of The Temple of Literature
The complex has a rectangular shape, around 224m long and 153m width. It’s protected by a sturdy brick wall. It was designed according to the symmetrical principles of Confucian philosophy, divided into five distinct areas, each separated by walls and connected by gates.
The gate system includes one main gate and two side gates, decorated in a distinctly East Asian style. The main gate is usually for the King, and the side gates for students.
Throughout various dynasties and the war, part of the complex was damaged, many structures have been restored and expanded, but it has retained its traditional architectural features.
The roofs of the pavilions and temples within the Temple of Literature have curved tile roofs , which are a characteristic feature of Vietnamese imperial architecture.
There are massive Lim wood columns in each building, which is a precious and highly durable wood providing structural stability.
Highlight attractions of the Temple of Literature
Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of Constellation)
Khue Van Cac is one of the most iconic sights of the Temple of Literature. It’s the symbol of Hanoi and appears on the 100,000 Vietnam Dong banknote.
The structure was built in 1805 under the reign of King Gia Long. It has unique ancient architecture. The lower level consists of four square brick columns intricately carved with elaborate patterns.
The upper floor which is painted in striking red and gold. The top has eight overlapping roofs – four on top and four on the bottom. The circular windows on the upper level symbolize the Kui Star, which is a symbol of knowledge, learning, and scholarship in Eastern culture.
The area in front of Khue Van Cac is often crowded because visitors try to take photos with this iconic symbol of Hanoi.
The 82 Doctoral stelae Area
Behind the Khue Van Cac pavilion, the square-shaped Thien Quang well (or the Well of Heavenly Clarity) and the 82 doctor’s stelae Area.
The 82 stelae is the centerpiece of the temple, located on the two sides of the Thien Quang well. It is a place that records and honors talented individuals of Vietnam.
The 82 stone stelae are inscribed with the names of doctoral graduates from the Confucian doctoral examinations held between 1442 (Early Le Dynasty) and 1779 (Nguyen Dynasty).
The first 7 stelae were built in 1484 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. It recorded the doctoral from the examinations that had taken place in 1442, 1448, 1463, 1466, 1475, 1478 và 1481. The last stele was built in 1783.
During the Tay Son and Nguyen dynasties, the capital was moved to Phu Xuan – Hue, so the doctoral steles were no longer erected at the Temple of Literature (Hanoi). The Nguyen dynasty began erecting doctoral steles at the Temple of Literature in Hue starting from the 1822 examination.
Each stele is set on the back of the stone turtle. The turtle is often known as the symbol of longevity, wisdom, and enduring strength.
The stele is inscribed with detailed information about the examinations, a list of those who passed the doctoral exams, and the dynasty’s philosophy on education and training.
These steles are not only a testament to the feudal education system of Vietnam but also reflect the spirit of learning and respect for teachers throughout the centuries.
Over the centuries, despite the effects of time and weather, the stele area has been preserved relatively intact. The 82 stelae was recognised as a UNESCO World Documentary Heritage site in 2012 thanks to its unique historical and artistic value.
Dai Thanh Gate
Dai Thanh Mon is the main gate leading to the main area of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, which include the worship area dedicated to Confucius and University area. Đại Thành Gate has the architectural style of the Later Le dynasty (15th -17th centuries).
The gate has a distinctive curved roof, a system of imposing ironwood columns, and elaborate decorative details.
Just above the roof, in the center, hangs a horizontal board carved with three Chinese characters: “Dai Thanh Mon” (Great Success Gate). It also has small characters on the right and left to reconfirm the date of construction of the Văn Miếu: 1070.
Thái Học Courtyard (Quốc Tử Giám)
The Thai Hoc building is the final section of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám. It was formerly used for teaching and training talented individuals. I was rebuilt in 2000 after being destroyed during the war.
The upper floor is delicate to three Kings (Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, and le Thanh Tong) who have the most contributed to the establishment of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám and the developemt of Confusina education in Vietnam.
The first floor is delicate to Chu Văn An, which was the first headmaster of Quốc Tử Giám, who had a strong influence on Vietnamese education for many centuries. He was known for his profound knowledge, uprightness and noble-mindedness.
He taught the crown princes of the Trần Dynasty and had many students pass examinations with high grades and had important positions in the court, like Phạm Sư Mạnh and Lê Quát. After Chu Văn An passed away in 1370, King Trần Nghệ Tông ordered that he be enshrined in Văn Miếu alongside Confucius.
The five areas of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám
The Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám has five walled courtyards, divided by gates and walls. The first four sections is Văn Miếu part and the last section is Quốc Tử Giám part. The first two courtyards have gardens, trees, and lakes, while the last three courtyards contain important buildings and vestiges.
The 1st section: Nhập Đạo Courtyard
The first zone, Nhập Đạo Courtyard, starts from Văn Miếu Gate to Great Middle Gate. Nhập Đạo or Entrance to the Way means the beginning of one’s journey in learning, moral cultivation, and self-improvement according to Confucian principles.
The student needs to learn to behave respectfully first then acquiring knowledge comes later. The final goal of becoming both virtuous and talented.
Văn Miếu Gate
Văn Miếu Gate was built in the 19th century. It has three doors. The main door is located in the center of the gate and has two floors.
In the past, it was only open to emperors and royal officials visited the Temple of Literature to pay tribute to Confucius. Normal people and students go in and out by two sided doors.
In front of Văn Miếu Gate are four pillars (ceremonial gate) and two “Hạ mã” steles on either side, which mark the horizontal boundary in front of the gate.
In the old days, whether nobles or high-ranking officials, whether traveling in palanquins or on horseback, anyone passing by Văn Miếu had to dismount and walk between two “Hạ mã” steles before they could get back on their carriage or horse.
Đại Trung Môn (Great Middle Gate)
The Great Middle Gate is lined straight with Văn Miếu Gate. The Great Middle Gate has a three-bay structure, built on a raised brick foundation, with a tiled roof, two rows of columns at the front and back, and a central column supporting the roof.
The left side of Great Middle Gate is the Virtuous Gate, and to the right is the Talented Gate. The names of these two gates signify the education and training of individuals who are both virtuous and talented.
The 2nd section: Thành Đạt Courtyard
Thành Đạt Courtyard is the area between the Great Middle Gate and Khuê Văn Các. This courtyard has similar architecture with the Nhập Đạo Courtyard, featuring three paths, gardens, and ponds.
Khuê Văn Các is the highlight of Thành Đạt Courtyard, built in 1805 under the Nguyen Dynasty. It has four square pillars, and the top has circular windows, symbolizing the shining Khue constellation.
Khue Constellation in traditional East Asian astronomy and Vietnamese culture associated with literature, scholarship, wisdom, and academic achievement.
There are two smaller gates on the left and right of Khuê Văn Các called Bi văn and Súc văn. All leading to the doctor’s stelae section.
The 3rd section: the doctor’s stelae area
The area is home to Thien Quang well and the 82 stone steles. These stone steles were made from 1484 to 1783 for the examinations held between 1442 and 1779.
Each stele was built on the top of the back of the turtle stone, inscribed with a list of the doctor’s name and valuable message to society. These are the most valuable artifacts of the historical site.
The 4th section: Đại Thành Courtyard
The fourth section, Đại Thành Courtyard, is the main struture of Văn Miếu. It’s home to a temple to worship Confucius and his Four closest Disciples.
Đại Thành Courtyard consists of two buildings arranged parallel and connected to each other. The outer hall is the Bái Đường or the Ceremonial Hall.
The inner hall, known as the Thượng Cung, serves as the main sanctuary where Confucius and his disciples are worshipped.
The 5th section: Thái Học Courtyard
This is the deepest section of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám complex. It was originally the first National University, and was used for the learning place of Confucian scholars.
It was transfomed into Khải Thánh shrine under the Nguyen Dynasty to worship Confucius’ parents, was built. In 1947, this building was destroyed by the French colonialists. In 2000, the government rebuilt the Thái Học courtyard to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Hà Nội.
Currently, the Thai Hoc house is the worship place to three Kings and Chu Van An, the first headmaster of the University. The Three Kings have the most contributed to the development of the Quốc Tử Giám are Ly Nhan Tong, Ly Thanh Tong, and Le Thanh Tong.
Is it worth visiting the Temple of Literature?
I highly recommend visiting the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám. This is a national historical attraction with symbolic significance for the education and tradition of studiousness of Vietnamese.
It’s a must see if you’re interested in history and culture, or just want to admire ancient architecture in the heart of Hanoi.
Many Vietnamese people go to Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám to pray for good luck in studies and exams.
Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám has a central location, just 1,5-2km away from the Hanoi Old Quarter, where most hotels are located. You can easily visit this attraction on foot or by Grab/ GreenSM taxi and motorbike from the Old Town.
The complex is also close to several historical sites such as The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Hoa Lo prison relics, and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, so you can easily combine these visits within a single trip.
The entrance ticket is only 70k VND, which I think is a reasonable price to learn about the ancient structure and its history. You can check in with the iconic symbol of Hanoi, Khue Van cac, or see the 82 historic stone stella which were recognised as World Documentary Heritage.
How long do you spend at the Temple of Literature?
I would recommend spending a couple of hours at the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám to wandering around its ground, taking photos, and learn about the Vietnamese history and culture.
If you just simply want to walk around the complex and take photos, it’ll take around 30 minutes to one hour. If you want to dig deep into the history, there are plenty of information boards and exhibits for you to explore. You could easily spend half a day reading this information.
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So you have it, my detail introduction to the history and things to do at the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, an unique cultural site in the heart of Hanoi. I hope you’ve found useful info from my article.