Description: The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam is something the Vietnamese are very proud of. It was founded almost 1000 years ago as a Confucian temple, but in 1076 Vietnam's first university was founded here also. Obviously only the elite and privileged studied here. There has been much reconstruction and parts added on since then, and I did find it unclear as to which parts were original and how far back some parts were built.
The Temple is located within a closed off green area, you enter on Quoc Tu Giam, so if you walk from Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum as we did, then you will find you are at the wrong end of the park and will then need to walk round it. It is actually a longer walk than on the map so I suggest getting a taxi or cyclo here. When you get to the enterance you will see the usual assortment of water and postcard sellers will be around (although hardly any motorbike taxis or cyclos when you want to return). The admission fee is nominal – about VND6000 (£0.20 or US$0.30) and guide books are available. We didn't purchase one, but the signage within most Vietnamese attractions being poor, we probably would have got more out of the visit with one than without, as for the most part we were unsure what we were looking at with only our Rough Guide to Vietnam to help us. The Temple is divided into five sections, divided up by gates of varied attractiveness. The first two sections are attractive, tranquil, manicured gardens with topiary. They were very peaceful and a pleasant haven from the bustle of Hanoi outside the walls.
We saw a few people taking time out to write their journal or postcards or just relax within the further courtyards (where there are stone steps lending themselves to seating as well as some shade from the heat). The third courtyard was probably the most photographed, with a more attractive gate (Khue Van Cac) go enter it, there centre contains a large rectangular pond, called the Well of Heavenly Clarity, around here are buildings containing old tortoise stelae, some dating back to the last fifteenth century, when candidates that were successful in the apparently extremely tough, examinations had there names carved. Across the fourth courtyard, which is comparatively plain is a ceremonial hall of some sort where there are some sculptures on Confucian disciples and a bronze giraffe standing on a tortoise, which I didn't understand the purpose or significance of. The final section contains a small museum relating to the temple and university.
Whilst the tranquillity and Chinese style architecture are lovely, I did feel I didn't get the best out of the Temple. I would advise going with a guide or a detailed guide book to get the best out of the experience. We were here about 30 minutes in total, but I think you could spend a lot longer if you understood what each section was better whilst there.
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