Cultural Exploration: Traveling to Hanoi’s Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám) – Tips and Experiences (Update 03/2025)

If we talk about culturally significant landmarks of the ancient and modern capital city, perhaps everyone would think of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam. Indeed, this is a cultural architectural complex closely associated with a thousand years of scholarly tradition. When it comes to the field of education in the ancient capital of Thang Long, this is considered Vietnam’s first university.

Construction began relatively early, in 1070 (Temple of Literature) and 1076 (Quoc Tu Giam – the Confucian academy), and today, these sites are still largely intact. The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam continues to serve as a place for preserving the educational tradition, where thousands of scholars and talents were trained for the nation during the feudal period. Let RuudNguyen.com help you explore this famous location further.

Where is the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam located?

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District.

The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam. It is situated at the intersection of major streets such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu, and Quoc Tu Giam. If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, this is a place you should not miss.

If you are traveling from Hoan Kiem Lake to the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, you can take the following route: head west on Le Thai To Street, then turn right onto Trang Thi Street. Continue towards Cua Nam Street and turn left onto Nguyen Khuyen Street, and finally, turn left onto Van Mieu Street to reach your destination. In Hanoi, there are many one-way streets, especially around the Temple of Literature area, so make sure to pay attention to traffic signs.

If you prefer to take a bus, you can use the following bus routes, which have stops near this area: 02, 23, 38, 25, 41. You can also check the list of Hanoi bus routes in the link provided below for more options.

History of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature was completed in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. This place is dedicated to the worship of Confucius, Chu Cong, and the Four Accomplished Ones. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established the Quoc Tu Giam, a university, adjacent to the temple, specifically for the education of the royal family and nobility. However, the significant change occurred during the reign of King Tran Thai Tong when Quoc Tu Giam was renamed the National Academy and started admitting exceptionally talented commoner students.

During the later Le Dynasty, under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, the tradition of erecting stelae for successful doctoral candidates began. In the Nguyen Dynasty, a new Quoc Tu Giam was established in Hue, and at this time, the Temple of Literature in Thang Long (Hanoi) was renovated and became known as the Temple of Literature Hanoi, focusing on the education of the North Citadel.

Architectural Features

The heritage complex includes: Van Lake, Imperial Garden, and the Inner Sanctum. The architecture of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is designed with multiple layers of buildings and gates separated by courtyards: Three gates lead to the first courtyard. The Grand Portico has two small gates leading to the second courtyard. The Khuê Văn Các (Constellation of Literature Pavilion) has two small gates leading to the third courtyard. Next are the Hồ Thiên Quang Tĩnh (Well of Heavenly Clarity) and Cửa Đại Thành (Great Gate) leading to the fourth courtyard. Behind these structures lies the Main Altar where Confucius and his disciples are honored. The Đại Bái buildings on both sides are adorned with paintings and inscriptions of virtuous scholars and Confucian sages.

The central area of the Temple of Literature comprises two main buildings separated by a courtyard and covered with ancient-style tiled roofs. Beyond the fifth courtyard is the Thái Học building, dedicated to Confucius’ parents. This is the place where scholars of exceptional talent were honored through the imperial examinations, as evidenced by the 82 doctoral steles (recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World in 2010). After each examination session, from 1442 to 1779, stone stelae were erected on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of those who passed the exams.

The teaching halls in both the east and west wings comprise 14 chambers each. The study rooms for scholars are divided into three rows, with each row having 25 chambers, accommodating two individuals per chamber. The entire architecture of the Temple of Literature today represents the Nguyen Dynasty’s architectural style. The layout of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is symmetrical and organized into clear, north-south-oriented sections. The overall planning bears some resemblance to Confucius temples in China, but it is simpler and carries a strong national character.

In front of the Temple of Literature, there is a large pond called Van Chuong Lake, formerly known as “Thái Hồ”. In the middle of the lake, there used to be Kim Chau Islet, which also had an observatory tower for scenic views. Outside the main gate, there are four pillars, and on both sides, there are “Hạ Mã” (Lower Horse) stelae. The area is surrounded by a tall wall.

The Temple of Literature gate is designed in the style of Tam Quan, with the inscription “Văn Miếu Môn” in ancient Chinese characters above it. Inside the Temple of Literature, there are five distinct areas, each separated by walls and gateways

Today, this is the place where academic titles, professorships, academician honors, and doctoral degrees are awarded to intellectuals. It is also a location for recognizing outstanding students and scholars. On the first day of the lunar new year, it hosts a poetry festival on the full moon day of the first lunar month. Especially before each examination period, students come here to seek luck and blessings, often by touching the head of the turtle statues.

Every spring, people from all around eagerly visit to make offerings at the Temple of Literature, hoping for academic success, achievements, and fame, as well as seeking fortune from the “tortoise-head rubbing” tradition in the surrounding areas. With its ancient architecture and profound humanistic values, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam stands as a historical witness of Hanoi.

The sightseeing areas at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

The Main Map of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam (Photo collected)

The main gate of the Temple of Literature is designed in the Tam Quan style, with the inscription “Văn Miếu Môn” in ancient Chinese characters above it. The Temple of Literature is surrounded by walls made of bricks that are not too high. Inside, there are walls dividing it into five distinct areas, each separated by walls and gateways.

First Courtyard

Starting from the main gate, Văn Miếu Môn, you proceed to “Đại Trung Môn” (Great Central Gate), with small gates on either side known as “Thành Đức Môn” and “Đạt Tài Môn”.

Second Courtyard

The upper floor of “Khuê Văn Các” features four circular doors, simple wooden railings, and supporting wooden beams. The roof consists of two layers of tiles, creating an eight-roof structure with flat roof ridges.

The attic is a square with an octagonal roof, and on all four sides of the attic, there are round windows resembling the rays of the sun. To the right and left of “Khuê Văn Các” are the “Bi Văn Môn” (Doctoral Stele Gate) and “Súc Văn Môn” (Second Doctoral Stele Gate), leading to two areas with doctoral stelae. “Khuê Văn Các” in the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam has been recognized as an emblematic symbol of Hanoi.

Third Courtyard

In the third courtyard, you will find the Well of Heavenly Clarity and the area with doctoral stelae. Passing through “Khuê Văn Các”, visitors will see the Well of Heavenly Clarity and the area with doctoral stelae. The graceful curved entrance of “Khuê Văn Các” symbolizes the heavens, while the sturdy square structure of the Well of Heavenly Clarity represents the earth.

This creates a harmonious blend of heaven and earth, adding a unique Feng Shui aspect to Quoc Tu Giam. There are currently 82 stelae commemorating successful examination candidates from 1442 to 1779. These stelae are among the most precious relics of the historical site.

Fourth Courtyard

The fourth courtyard is the “Đại Thành môn”, the worship area. The Great Gate (Cửa Đại Thành) marks the beginning of the main section of the historical site, where Confucius, Chu Cong, the Four Accomplished Ones, the Forty-Two Virtuous Scholars, and others are revered. Upon passing through the Great Gate, you enter a spacious courtyard paved with Bát Tràng tiles, known as the Đại Bái courtyard. On both sides of the courtyard are two rows of buildings, “Tả Vu” and “Hữu Vu”, forming a U-shaped architectural complex.

“Bái đường” in Van Mieu (Photo collected)

This is the central area and the primary architectural focus of Văn Miếu, consisting of two large parallel and interconnected structures. The outer building is the Bái đường, while the inner building is the Thượng cung. This is the area where Confucius and the Four Accomplished Ones (Nhan Tử, Tăng Tử, Tử Tư, Mạnh Tử) are worshipped and revered.

Fifth Courtyard

This is the area known as “Thái Học” – the first national university in Vietnam, consisting of significant architectural structures, including the Front Hall, Back Hall, “Tả vu”, “Hữu vu”, bell house, and drum house, all built on the historical grounds of the Quoc Tu Giam school.

During the Nguyen Dynasty, the Quoc Tu Giam school in Hanoi was abolished, and the Thái Học area was transformed into the Khải Thánh Temple, dedicated to the ancestors of Confucius. However, this area was destroyed during the resistance against the French colonial rule. The Thái Học area was rebuilt by the city of Hanoi in 1999. In this fifth courtyard, there is also the Front Hall – Back Hall, where kings such as “Lý Thánh Tông”, “Lý Nhân Tông”, “Lê Thánh Tông”, and the scholar “Chu Văn An” are honored.

When you visit “Văn Miếu”, you will have the opportunity to participate in daily art performances in the Front Hall of the “Thái Học” area, featuring traditional music and dance with ethnic elements tailored to your request. Here, you can light incense and request calligraphy at the Temple of Literature.

The Meaning of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is not only the first university in our country but also a beacon that illuminates the tradition of filial piety, respect for learning, and reverence for teachers among the Vietnamese people. When you come here, you seem to gain additional motivation from the outstanding achievements of past generations. It infuses you with the energy to remain steadfast on your educational journey and explore the knowledge of humanity.

Through the study of doctoral stelae at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, one can discern the strict principles of education and talent utilization that our forefathers adhered to. Additionally, some stelae aimed to educate and instill ethics in future generations of officials. The eighty-two doctoral stelae are symbols of the spirit of learning and serve as a tribute to those who excelled on the path of education, forging themselves into contributors to society.

Today, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam serves not only as a place of worship and commemoration of great thinkers but also as a favored tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Over time and amidst the changes in history, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam in Thang Long has increasingly asserted its value. It stands as a monument to the formation and development of the intellectual class dedicated to Confucianism in Vietnam.

Visitor Guidelines

• Please respect the heritage site and adhere to the regulations set by the site management. Do not disturb artifacts or the landscape of the heritage site. Do not touch the turtle’s heads, write, draw, stand, or sit on the doctoral stelae, or engage in any actions that may alter the condition of objects or the landscape.

• When visiting the Temple of Literature, dress neatly and cleanly. Avoid wearing overly short skirts or shorts, revealing clothing, or attire that is inappropriate for places of worship. Do not smoke, wear hats, or caps within the area of the altars or exhibition halls.
• Practice civilized behavior at the place of worship: Avoid disrespectful or vulgar behavior, maintain order and security, and follow proper etiquette when performing rituals. Each person should light only one incense stick, offer offerings, and light incense in designated areas.
• Exploiting freedom of belief to engage in superstitious or cult activities, gambling, or fraud is strictly prohibited.

• Maintain cleanliness, protect the environmental landscape: Do not climb walls, trees, break branches, pick flowers, trample on lawns, fish, swim, or litter.
• Do not bring weapons, explosives, or flammable materials into the heritage site.

• Park your vehicles in designated areas and manage your belongings to avoid loss.

Through the ups and downs of time and historical events, some of the architecture here has been affected. However, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is still considered a symbol of the beauty of education and the cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people. Hopefully, the information shared here has provided you with more knowledge about this historically and culturally significant heritage site in Hanoi.

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