Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, located in Dong Da district, Hanoi, is a typical historical - cultural relic complex, and is also a sacred symbol of the spirit of learning and the tradition of respecting teachers of the Vietnamese people.
Built in 1070 under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to worship Confucius and sages, this place not only has profound spiritual values but is also the cradle of Confucian education in our country.
In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam - the first university in Vietnam, for children of nobles and intellectuals, and gradually expanded to talented students among the people. The architectural complex has an area of about 54,000 m², divided into five main areas, each with its own meaning: from Dai Trung Mon gate with Van lake and stone bridge, to Khue Van Cac - a brilliant symbol of Thang Long culture, still printed on the 100,000 VND banknote; then the Stele area with 82 stone steles built on the back of turtles, engraved with the names of talented people from the 15th to 18th centuries - a world documentary heritage recognized by UNESCO.
Dai Thanh Palace is the place to worship Confucius and his typical students such as Mencius, Nhan Tu, and finally Thai Hoc House - a space restored in 2000 to commemorate famous educators and organize activities to honor knowledge.
Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is not only famous for its ancient architectural beauty, the quiet green space imbued with Confucianism with lakes, ancient trees, moss-covered tiled roofs, but also a familiar destination every early spring with activities of asking for calligraphy, honoring valedictorians, and praying for luck before exams. This place is not only a famous tourist site, but also a lasting symbol of the spirit of learning, the desire for knowledge and profound human values in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.
More information for visitors:
Address: No. 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00 daily
Entrance fee: About 30,000 VND (price may change depending on the subject and update time)