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White Horse - The guardian of East Ancient Hanoi 🇻🇳

#vietnamtrip Bach Ma Temple also known as protector of the East of Thang Long(ancient Hanoi) is an oldest temple in Hanoi. It was built under the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To during 11th century to worship Long Do, a reputable Chinese mandarin that made a huge contribution to the ancient Hanoi The initial of Long Do Temple was constructed in 9th century in Hoa Lu to worship Long Do. During 11th century, the Emperor Ly Thai To decided to move the capital city from Hoa Lu to Thang Long(ancient Hanoi) One day, Long Do appeared in the Emperor’s dream. He told the Emperor to build a citadel walls from the temple that there would a white horse coming out. The Emperor followed Long Do words & renamed the temple as Bach Ma. In Vietnamese, Bach Ma mean “White Horse”. So you will see a statue of white horse, a shrine to Confucius in the temple. During 1st & 15th lunar calendar every month, many local Vietnamese will come to Bach Ma Temple for worship and praying. Remember to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and legs when you are visiting to Bach Ma Temple Attraction: Bach Ma Temple Address: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam Opening hours: 8:00am - 11:00am & 2:00pm - 5:30pm, daily Entrance fee: Free #temple #hanoi
Posted: Jan 9, 2025
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Bach Ma Temple

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Quan Thanh Temple

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

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