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25/12/2022
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Quan Thanh Temple is a famous spiritual place near West Lake (Source: Collected)
Among over 600 pagodas and temples of Hanoi, Quan Thanh Temple is one of the top sacred places. Despite having undergone several ups and downs throughout history, the value of the temple is still well-kept, making this place a must-see spiritual destination for your Hanoi travel journey.
1. Where is Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi? How to get there?
Quan Thanh Temple is renowned as one of “Thang Long Tu Tran” – the four temples around the city which are said to guard this land from evil spirits and calamities.
Hanoi Quan Thanh Temple is located at the corner of Thanh Nien Street and Quan Thanh Street, overlooking West Lake Hanoi. Together with Tran Quoc Pagoda, Van Nien Pagoda, and Phu Tay Ho, Quan Thanh Temple has contributed significantly to creating a harmonious architectural and spiritual vista around West Lake.
Quan Thanh Temple location on Hanoi map (Source: Collected)
Since the temple is situated in the city center, it is easy to reach. You can get here either by motorbike, taxi, or bus. From Ba Dinh Square, follow Doc Lap Street and Hoang Van Thu Street before turning right onto Hung Vuong Street. Go straight for 400 meters and you will reach Quan Thanh Temple.
If you take the bus, follow bus routes no. 14, 33, or 50. They all stop near the temple, and you will only need to walk for a few minutes to get there. This famous temple is also included in the itinerary of Hanoi’s double-decker bus tour. The tour will take you to many famous destinations in the city, with Quan Thanh Temple being one of them.
2. The legend of Quan Thanh Temple that you may not know
Also known as Tran Vu Temple, Quan Thanh Temple worships Huyen Thien Tran Vu – the deity who guards the northern gate of Thang Long citadel against evil spirits.
Quan Thanh Temple worships Huyen Thien Tran Vu – a Taoism deity (Source: Collected)
This famous temple in Vietnam was established during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To when he moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh today) to Dai La (Hanoi today). According to documents and records found on the temple’s steles, it underwent renovations in the years: 1618, 1677, 1768, 1836, 1843, 1893, and 1941.
Quan Thanh Temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1962.
3. What are the highlights of Quan Thanh Temple’s architecture?
As mentioned above, there have been numerous renovations over the long history of the temple. The building is a fusion of various architectural styles, as a result.
Quan Thanh Temple was initially constructed in Buddhist style, which was at the time the most practiced religion in Vietnam. After all the ups and downs, the remaining structure of Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi nowadays is reminiscent of the architectural style during the Nguyen Dynasty – the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam.
The three-door gate at Quan Thanh Temple (Source: Collected)
Quan Thanh Temple features a typical three-door gate made of massive stones and a bell tower on top. Passing the gate, you will see a large courtyard shaded by a huge banyan tree. The main building of the temple displays several statues, carvings, and shrines. Here, you can see a 4-meter-tall black bronze statue of Tran Vu with a snake and a turtle, which represent wealth and protection in Vietnamese mythology. The statue is considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese bronze casting and sculpture.
In addition, Quan Thanh Temple also has many valuable artworks carved on doors, columns, and beams, along with more than 60 poems, diaphragms, and couplets written in Chinese letters. The sacred patterns are carved in a sophisticated and meticulous way, bearing the artistic style of the Le Dynasty.
The 4-meter-tall bronze statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu in Quan Thanh Temple (Source: Collected)
4. The best time to visit Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi Vietnam
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM every day
- Quan Thanh Temple fee: 10,000 VND/adult, free for children
Quan Thanh Temple is often crowded with pilgrims during the first lunar day and the full moon of each month, as well as during Tet Holiday. The locals often come to this holy Hanoi temple to pray for health, peace, and fortune. Legend has it that if you use your right hand to rub the left leg of the statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, you will receive a lot of luck.
Quan Thanh Temple Festival takes place every year on the 3rd day of the third lunar month, attracting a large number of pilgrims and tourists coming to burn incense, give offerings, and pray. During the festival, there will be rituals and activities to commemorate the deity.
With a long history, Hanoi is undoubtedly a promising destination for culture tours. Here, besides paying a visit to the sacred Quan Thanh Temple, it would be a big waste if you miss out on the city’s top destinations like Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, Presidential Palace, Hanoi Train Street, etc. Travelers can also spend a day at Vinpearl and VinKE Times City to see marine life and play numerous modern games in an exciting indoor entertainment ground.
VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City
Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium here
In addition to Hanoi, Vietnam also holds more appeal in many other areas, such as Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, to name a few. If you are planning your visit and seeking a place to stay during your trip, consider Vinpearl – a luxury hospitality brand present in many famous Vietnam destinations. Having gained a reputation for first-class facilities and top-notch services, Vinpearl is a trustworthy name to put on your list of accommodation.
A top-class beach resort of Vinpearl
It is no exaggeration to say that Quan Thanh Temple is one of the most important temples in Hanoi, Vietnam. If you love to explore the spiritual life of the local people, this temple is absolutely worth your visit with its significant cultural value and long-lasting history.
