Located in a quiet corner of Ha Noi, the majestic Quan Thanh Temple is an iconic temple that has been around since the 11th century. This ancient relic has witnessed many important events in the past, throughout Vietnamese history.
It is not surprising that both locals and tourists still love to go there to see this great historical site. With impressive designs, anyone coming here will experience inspiring architecture imbued with spirituality! Let vietnamtravelers.com explore an interesting place right now!
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Quan Thanh Temple’s History
The Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a temple that is dedicated to Tran Vu (or Tran Hung Dao). He was a hero who lived in Vietnam in the 1300s. He is known as a legend.
According to historical documents dating back to the Ly dynasty (1010–1028), King Ly Thai To moved his capital city from Hoa Lu to Thang Long in 1010. Hoa Lu is known as Ninh Binh, while Thang Long is Ha Noi today. This decision marked the construction of Quan Thanh Temple.
The Quan Thanh Temple was built to mark the start of a new government and the arrival of a prince. This temple worships Saint Huyen Thien Tran Vu, an honored deity in Taoism.
There are four holy temples located in the four cardinal directions of the city. Quan Thanh in the north, Bach Ma in the east, Kim Liem in the south, and Than Linh Lang in the west. These temples safeguard the city from evil spirits and influences.
Quan Thanh Temple’s Architecture
This building is a striking mix of styles from the imperial period. The original design was based on Buddhism, which is the most popular religion in Vietnam. For centuries, Taoism and Confucianism have competed for second place. However, despite many changes over time, the architecture of this temple is bold in the architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Above are the towers that support the three-door entrance to the temple, which was made by hand and looks great. This temple displays beautiful sculptures, intricate carvings, and resplendent shrines in its large courtyard.
To enter the temple, you must pass through three grand doors beneath a bell tower constructed on top of colossal stones. The grounds are full of beauty and provide shade with the traditional banyan tree in the yard.
Impressive points at Quan Thanh Temple
Black-bronze saint “Huyen Thien Tran Vu”
An impressive four-meter-tall black bronze statue towers overhead, depicting Saint Tran Vu. It stands around 3.6 meters tall and weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,600 kilos. The saint is grasping a snake and a turtle, two animals symbolic of immense wealth and protection, respectively. This makes it Vietnam’s second-largest bronze sculpture!
Huge bronze bell
Because of its height of 1.15 meters, it makes an impression on the minds of all who come. When tourists see the statue and the bell, they are sure to be amazed and energized by their unique qualities and beautiful appearance.
Exquisitely carved artworks
The Quan Thanh Temple has doors, columns, and beams that are all carefully carved, as well as more than 60 poetic works written in Chinese characters.
There are also carved figures of mascots like bats, fish, and four sacred animals. The flowers are chrysanthemums, apricots, flowers, or wine gourds, swords, etc., on wooden structures.
The mascot symbol of Quan Thanh Temple
The turtle and snake are the temple’s symbols at Quan Thanh Temple. The turtle is a symbol of protection, while the snake is associated with prosperity. In an ancient Vietnamese folk tale, there was a turtle that possessed a large sword. It gave the sword to King Le Thai To, who helped Vietnam defeat the Chinese.
Activities at Quan Thanh Temple
Quan Thanh Temple is a popular sightseeing destination in Hanoi, Vietnam. It also serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the people of Hanoi.
For Vietnamese people
Vietnamese people come to Quan Thanh Temple for health, luck, and happiness—not just for themselves but also for their families. On the patio, you can find a brick furnace designed specifically to burn fake money paper. The reason is so that the ancestors can receive it in spirit.
For foreign tourists
Tourists from around the world are drawn to the temple’s magnificent architecture. They come to witness intricate woodwork carvings and ornate bronze figures. At the temple, visitors can also buy souvenirs such as incense and lucky charms.
| Locations | Thanh Nien street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi |
| Opening hours | 8:00 – 17:00 every day |
| Entrance fee | VND 10,000 ($0.5) |
Means of transportation to Quan Thanh Temple
Situated at the corner of Thanh Nien and Quan Thanh Street, the majestic Quan Thanh Temple overlooks West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Only a short distance from Hanoi’s North Gate and ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, this is easily to move between destinations.
From here you can walk to Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or Tran Quoc Pagoda, or West Lake,…
Useful advice when coming Quan Thanh Temple
- Observe the dress code: Clothing should be respectful, covering your shoulders and knees.
- Be mindful of noise levels: Remember to keep noise levels at a minimum, especially when inside the temple.
- Remove your shoes: Some sections of the temple require visitors to remove their shoes before entering.
- Don’t interfere with the rituals: Refrain from interfering or disrupting any of the religious services that are taking place.
Conclusion
In short, the Quan Thanh Temple is an awe-inspiring, spiritual place with a meaningful history. Its architecture and sculptures provide proof of its incredible temple status and legend. You can bring souvenirs from the many shops around the temple to remind yourself of the special moments you will experience at this temple. Now, let freetoursinhanoi.com make plans for you to explore this place and other interesting places in Ha Noi!
