Quan Thanh Temple: A Historical and Cultural Gem of Hanoi Overview Quan Thanh Temple (Đền Quán Thánh), also known as Tran Vu Temple, is one of Hanoi's oldest and most sacred Taoist temples. Established in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty, it is part of the "Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long Citadel," guarding the northern entrance of the ancient capital. The temple is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu (Xuan Wu), the Taoist deity of the north, symbolized by a serpent and turtle. Located near West Lake at the intersection of Quan Thanh and Thanh Nien Streets, it remains a key spiritual and tourist site in Hanoi. Historical Significance - Founding: Built in 1010 under Emperor Ly Thai To to celebrate the relocation of Vietnam’s capital to Thang Long (modern Hanoi). - Sacred Role: One of four temples (alongside Bach Ma, Kim Lien, and Voi Phuc) positioned to protect the city from malevolent spirits and invaders. - Renovations: Restored multiple times, most notably in 1677 (when the iconic bronze statue was added) and 1893, blending Ly, Le, and Nguyen Dynasty architectural styles. Architecctural Highlights 1. Bronze Statue of Tran Vu: - Cast in 1677 by artisans from Ngũ Xã village, this 3.96-meter-tall, 3.6-ton black bronze statue depicts Tran Vu seated on a turtle, wielding a sword entwined by a serpent. It is Vietnam’s second-largest bronze statue and a masterpiece of 17th-century craftsmanship. - The deity’s symbols—the turtle (protection) and serpent (wealth)—reflect Taoist and Vietnamese folklore traditions. 2. Structural Features: - Three-Gate Entrance: Adorned with phoenixes and unicorns, typical of Nguyen Dynasty design. - Courtyard: Shaded by a centuries-old banyan tree, with a brick oven for burning joss paper during festivals. - Ancient Artifacts: Includes a 1.15-meter bronze bell, wood carvings of mythical creatures, and over 60 parallel poems in Chinese characters. Cultural and Spiritual Practices - Festivals: Locals visit during Tet (Lunar New Year) and on the 1st/15th lunar month days to pray for health, luck, and prosperity. - Syncretism: Though Taoist, the temple integrates Buddhist and Confucian elements, reflecting Vietnam’s religious blending. - Martial Arts: Hosts Vovinam classes, honoring Tran Vu’s association with martial prowess. Visitor Information - Location: 190 Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District. - Hours: - Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. - Extended hours on Tet Eve and lunar month days (6:00 AM – 8:00 PM). - Entry Fee: 10,000 VND (adults); 5,000 VND (students/children). - Dress Code: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Best Time to Visit: Early morning for tranquility, or during Tet (January–February) for vibrant rituals. Nearby Attractions 1. Tran Quoc Pagoda: Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, located on West Lake. 2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 1 km away, housing the embalmed leader. 3. Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius. Conclusion Quan Thanh Temple is a testament to Hanoi’s rich spiritual heritage and architectural ingenuity. Its iconic bronze statue, serene ambiance, and historical depth make it a must-visit for those exploring Vietnam’s cultural legacy. Whether admiring its artistry or participating in age-old rituals, the temple offers a profound glimpse into the soul of Hanoi. #travel #vietnam #hanoi #temple
Ice Lim 33
Popular Trip Moments
Beautiful Hanoi, A budget Friendly City Full Of Incredible Sights, Tastes and Scents. | Incense stick village | Hanoi's Pinnacle | Luxurious Experience at Daewoo Hotel | A Historical Encounter in the Heart of Hanoi: Visiting Hoa Lo Prison | Vietnam Hanoi Hotel: Grand Mercure is a must! | In the crevices of time, encounter the tenderness of a city | Hanoi – Street Food, Culture & a Train Through the City 🚂🥖 | Hanoi's Urban Ocean Adventure: A Visit to Lotte Aquarium | The Ultimate Comfortable Stay at 'Hanoi Boutique Hotel & Spa' | Day Trip Itinerary for Hanoi | Day Trip Itinerary for Hanoi | MOOD Kafe | Artemis Pastry | Letefe Cafe | Lotus Lounge Vietnam airlines | Lò Xo Coffee & Bakery | Most Kid Friendly Cafe I've Seen | All Day Coffee | Travel Plan: Sapa-Hanoi Trip 5 Days 4 Nights | Hanoi - The Essence of Vietnam | Explore the Art of Southeast Asia in Hanoi - Hanoi Fine Arts Museum | Hermanas Café in Hanoi's Art Street | Phở Minh: A Clean and Cozy Vietnamese Noodle Shop at Hanoi's Ocean City Ocean Park | Complex 01 | BeWhy St Coffee | Jazzy Cafe | Another Coffee | Amuse Coffee | The Hermit Cafe | The Hideout Garden Cafe
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Bangkok attraction near me | Manila attraction near me | Tokyo attraction near me | Taipei attraction near me | Hong Kong attraction near me | Seoul attraction near me | Kuala Lumpur attraction near me | Los Angeles attraction near me | Shanghai attraction near me | New York attraction near me | Shenzhen attraction near me | Osaka attraction near me | Singapore attraction near me | London attraction near me | Guangzhou attraction near me | San Francisco attraction near me | Beijing attraction near me | Macau attraction near me | Bali attraction near me | Jakarta attraction near me | Paris attraction near me | Ho Chi Minh City attraction near me | Istanbul attraction near me | Phuket attraction near me | Chicago attraction near me | Seattle attraction near me | Toronto attraction near me | Orlando attraction near me | Cebu attraction near me | Chiang Mai attraction near me
Popular Attractions
Universal Studios Japan | Phuket FantaSea | Sky Views Observatory | Mount Batur | Jingan Temple | Shanghai Maglev Train | Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Cable Car | Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park | Longtan National Forest Park | Yas Waterworld | Hoi An Memories Show | BOSS E · ZO FUKUOKA | Columbia Pictures Aquaverse | Iglesia de San Pablo | Langkawi SkyCab | Jurassic Parrr Adventure Golf | New iceberg events | Parco Sgambamento Cani Genesio Bonati | YEŞİL VADİ EVLERİ | Wasp Laser Tag | Wat Thung Sawang | Barrage de la Gileppe | PONDOK SAROL | Paseo de la Ría del Asón de Limpias | Rózsafüzér Királynője zárdatemplom | Musee d'Orsay | Nong Nooch Tropical Garden | Bamboo Canyon Scenic Area (Jinji Valley) | Park Güell | Macau Tower
Popular Restaurants in Hanoi
The Gourmet Corner | Lu Wang carp | Cha Ca Thang Long | Essence Restaurant | Red Bean Ma May | Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su(Co So 1) | Highway4 Bar Restaurant | HOME Vietnamese Restaurant | Quan An Ngon | d'LIONS Restaurant | Gia Restaurant | Maison Sen | Bamboo Bar | JW Cafe | Salt n' Lime | Hotpot Story Restaurant | Cau Go Restaurant | Stellar Steakhouse | Pho Thin | La Salsa Tapas bar&Restaurant | Hibana by Koki | Tiem Com Mot Ngay Moi New Day Restaurant | ERA RESTAURANT | Banh Mi 25 | French Grill | El Gaucho-Argentinian Steakhouse | Puku Cafe & Bar | Jacksons Steakhouse | Cafe Duy Tri | Com Chay Nang Tam
Popular Ranked Lists
Top 3 Best Things to Do in Huidong | Top 3 Luxury Hotels in Tashkent | Popular Premium Hotels Near Dearborn | Popular Luxury Hotels in Dhulikhel | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Hanoi | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Tatsugo | Popular Premium Hotels Near Geraldine | Popular Best Things to Do in Wuzhong | Top 5 Best Things to Do in Weinan | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Silivri | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Bali | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Seoul | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Songyang | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Taipei | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Fukushima | Top 6 Best Things to Do in Fenghuang | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Montelimar | Top 3 Best Things to Do in Lvliang | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Etretat | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Thermi | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Macau | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Florence | Top 9 Local Restaurants in Nha Trang | Top 10 Best Things to Do in Aksu Prefecture | Popular Best Things to Do in Qingchuan | Popular Luxury Hotels in Oslo | Popular Must-Visit Restaurants in Dalat | Popular Best Things to Do in Jiulong | Top 20 Local Restaurants in Dubai
Payment Methods
Our Partners
Copyright © 2025 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.