Hue Temple of Literature
Hue Temple of Literature (locally known as Van Mieu Hue or Van Thanh) majestically lies on the bank of Perfume River, to the west of the Citadel, just 1km from prestigious Linh Mu pagoda.
Location & History
The Temple of Literature is dedicated to the commemoration and veneration of Confucius, a practice prevalent across many Asian cultures, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. In Vietnam, in addition to the renowned Temple of Literature in Hanoi, several other cities have erected their own temples dedicated to Confucius.
Photo: redsvn.net
In Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu Hue or Van Thanh, stands gracefully on the banks of the Perfume River, just 1 kilometer from the prestigious Linh Mu Pagoda, to the west of the Citadel. This south-facing monument, constructed in 1908 during King Gia Long's reign, is situated atop a hill. Over the years, the temple has undergone several significant restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance.
What To See
The complex houses about 50 architectural structures, with the largest being the worship hall of Confucius.
Photo by @quangip
At the main entrance of the Temple, located by the riverside, stand four towering pillars. Above, a large sign bears the inscriptions “Dao Tai Luong Gian” (The Principles in the World) and “Trac Viet Thien Co” (Higher than Ever Before). Upon entering, visitors will encounter several small chambers used by kings and mandarins to prepare for ceremonies. In front, there are two rows of 32 preserved steles inscribed with the names of 239 successful candidates from National Examinations that took place during the Nguyen Dynasty. Though the monument sustained damage during the war, notably when French troops used it as a barracks, the main temple and, particularly, the steles, remain intact.
Photo by @trinhhoaitri
Today, visitors to the Temple of Literature can see a unique representation of Vietnam’s educational system during the feudal era. The construction of the temple, along with the placement of the doctors' steles, is a testament to the country's enduring respect for its intellectuals and its invaluable cultural and educational traditions.
How To Get There
Tourists visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda can easily extend their journey to this site, as it is located along the same road. Visitors can travel by car, motorbike, or bicycle. Admission to the temple is free, and typically, there are no staff overseeing the site.
Useful Information
- Location: Hue Temple Of Literature
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Distance to city center: 5.7km (3.5 mi)
Tu Hieu Pagoda
In Hue - one of Vietnam's most sacred lands of Buddhism, Tu Hieu is regarded as the largest and oldest pagoda, and also a famous sightseeing spot with historical and cultural value.
Hon Chen Temple
Hon Chen Temple is situated on a lovely slope of Ngoc Tran Mountain, 10km upstream from Hue Centre. The name “Ngoc Tran'' means Pearl Bowl, originating from the bowl-shape of the mountain. That also gives the temple its name: Hon Chen.
Hue Imperial Citadel
Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam.
