Temple of Literature is a symbol of history

Temple of Literature - National Tu Giam: Symbol of Vietnamese culture and history Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, located in the center of Hanoi capital, is a historical - cultural relic of great value, considered a symbol of knowledge and studious tradition of the Vietnamese people. This is not only a place to preserve cultural quintessence, but also a symbol of feudal education.

History of formation and development

The Temple of Literature was built in 1070, under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, initially to worship Confucius, Chu Cong and Tu Phoi - saints and sages in Confucianism. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam right in this area, becoming the first university in Vietnam, a place to train many talented people for the country.

Through dynasties, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was constantly renovated and expanded. In particular, during the Le Dynasty, this place was considered a leading educational center, where exams were held and excellent students were honored.

Important historical milestones

Ly Dynasty (1070 - 1225)

• 1070: King Ly Thanh Tong ordered the construction of the Temple of Literature to worship Confucius, Zhou Cong and Tu Phoi - people considered to represent Confucian scholarship and ethics. This is also a teaching place reserved for princes and noble children.

• 1076: King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam next to the Temple of Literature, officially opening the first university in Vietnam. Initially, Quoc Tu Giam only trained children of royal and noble lineage.

Tran Dynasty (1225 - 1400)

• During this period, Quoc Tu Giam continued to develop, but due to the war against the Yuan-Mongol army, investment in education was somewhat limited. However, the ideology of "using talented people" is still strongly maintained.

Le Cong Le (1428 - 1527)

• This was the period when Quoc Tu Giam developed most brilliantly.
• In 1442: King Le Thai Tong ordered the erection of a doctoral stele to register those who passed high scores in the imperial examinations. In total, from 1442 to 1779, 82 doctoral stele were erected, recording the names of 1,307 doctors.
• Quoc Tu Giam was expanded, allowing children of commoner families with outstanding talents to study, no longer limited to the aristocracy.

The Renaissance of Mac and Le (1527 - 1788)

• Through political upheavals, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was still maintained. Confucian examinations continue to be held regularly, and the feudal education system still plays an important role in selecting talented people.

Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) 1802:

• When King Gia Long ascended the throne and established his capital in Hue, Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi no longer played the role of the educational center of the country. However, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is still the place to organize Huong exams and worship talented people.
• 1947: During the resistance war against the French, many works in the area were damaged, but the doctoral steles were still preserved.

From after 1954 until now

After peace was restored, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was recognized as a national historical-cultural relic and was invested in restoration by the Hanoi government. In 1994, Khue Van Cac - the unique architectural symbol of the Temple of Literature, was chosen as the symbol of the capital Hanoi. Today, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is a must-see destination for domestic and foreign tourists, and is a place to honor the tradition of studious learning and education.

Unique architecture

Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was built in traditional Vietnamese architectural style, including many areas: Temple of Literature, Dai Trung Mon, Khue Van Cac, Thien Quang Tinh and Thai Hoc building. One of the most unique features of this monument is the 82 doctoral steles, built to honor those who passed the Dinh exams from 1442 to 1779. Each stone stele is placed on the back of a turtle, symbolizing of eternity and wisdom. These are not only valuable documents but also a testament to the nation's academic tradition

Cultural value and historical significance

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is a place to honor Vietnam's philosophy and tradition of respecting talented people. Over the centuries, this place has become a symbol of education and a source of inspiration for younger generations.


Today, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is not only a famous attraction attracting domestic and foreign tourists, but also a venue for many cultural, educational and festival activities. In particular, at the beginning of each year, scholars often come here to pray for success in their studies and careers.