Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is the site of the first national university in Vietnam, where hundreds of illustrious scholars studied and practiced. Today, it has developed into one of Hanoi's most historic relics and displays incredible beauty and architecture. The Temple of Literature, Hanoi was founded in 1070 by Emperor LY Thanh Tong to respect the Chinese Philosopher-Confucius. One of the most interesting aspects of the Temple of Literature is its role in Vietnam's educational history. For centuries, the temple served as a centre of learning, where students came to study Confucianism, literature, and other subjects. The temple's many stone steles, inscribed with the names of Vietnam's top scholars, offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's academic past. The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's first university complex. It is not only a cultural and historical relic, but also a place where a lot of students come to pray for good luck during their forthcoming exams and studies. The Temple of Literature, being the first university of Vietnam, is one of the most sought-after cultural and historical sites on each Hanoi travel tour. When you visit this site, you will be thrilled by its magnificence and tranquillity. You will gain deeper insight into the history of Vietnam's development from its early beginnings here. As one arrives at the Great Middle Gate, one will be amazed at the green and fresh atmosphere of Dai Trung Mon. To the right and left, one finds two special-designed gates, Talent Gate and Virtua Gate respectively. Both gates conveyed the hope of the Vietnamese royalty towards the most brilliant achievements in the national education system. On top of the gates, a fish symbol can be seen, and this is in line with a Vietnamese custom in the old times. It is said that God or the King ordered a contest to look for the strongest fish, likening this to how one searches for a nation's talent. After they have braved through all of these, intelligent people shall be appointed as government officials.