10 Things to Do in the Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Temple of Literature, located in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a stunning and historically significant temple complex that dates back to the 11th century. It is a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. Here are 10 things to do when you visit the Temple of Literature.
1. Explore the Temple Grounds
The Temple of Literature is a sprawling complex that covers an area of around 54,000 square meters. It is made up of five courtyards, each one containing a different type of structure. The first courtyard is home to a giant bell tower, and the second courtyard is home to a stunning lake where visitors can take a boat ride. The third courtyard is home to the main temple building, and the fourth and fifth courtyards are home to various pavilions and gardens.
2. Learn About the History of the Temple
The Temple of Literature was first built in 1070, making it one of the oldest structures in Hanoi. It was originally built as a Confucian temple and was used as a place of learning and worship for the educated elite of the city. Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and today it is a popular tourist destination.
3. Visit the Imperial Academy
The Imperial Academy is one of the main attractions of the Temple of Literature. It was first established in 1076 and was used as a school for the sons of the royal family. It is now a museum and contains a number of artifacts from the period, including ancient scrolls and books.
4. Explore the Five Courtyards
The Temple of Literature is made up of five courtyards, each one containing a different type of structure. The first courtyard is home to a giant bell tower, and the second courtyard is home to a stunning lake where visitors can take a boat ride. The third courtyard is home to the main temple building, and the fourth and fifth courtyards are home to various pavilions and gardens.
5. Take a Tour
There are a number of guided tours available at the Temple of Literature, which are a great way to learn more about the history and architecture of the site. The tours are usually conducted in English and last around two hours.
6. Admire the Architecture
The Temple of Literature is a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The main temple building is made up of five separate buildings, each one dedicated to a different Confucian scholar. The buildings are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, and the walls are painted with beautiful murals.
7. Visit the Pavilion of the Constellations
The Pavilion of the Constellations is a stunning pavilion located in the fourth courtyard of the Temple of Literature. It is decorated with intricate carvings of the twelve zodiac animals, and it is believed to have been built in the 15th century.
8. See the Stone Steles
The Temple of Literature is home to a number of stone steles, which are large stone tablets that contain inscriptions of the names of the graduates of the Imperial Academy. The steles are a popular attraction and are a great way to learn about the history of the site.
9. Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
The second courtyard of the Temple of Literature is home to a stunning lake, which visitors can explore by taking a boat ride. The boat rides are a great way to relax and admire the beauty of the temple complex.
10. Enjoy the Gardens
The Temple of Literature is home to a number of beautiful gardens, which are a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The gardens are filled with lush vegetation and colorful flowers, and they are the perfect place to take a break from exploring the temple grounds.
The Temple of Literature is a stunning and historically significant temple complex that is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hanoi. From exploring the temple grounds to admiring the architecture and taking a boat ride on the lake, there are plenty of things to do at the Temple of Literature.