Quán Thánh Temple is a revered Taoist temple situated at the intersection of Thanh Niên and Quán Thánh streets, positioned on the northern shore of West Lake (Hồ Tây). It is one of the “Four Sacred Temples” that traditionally guarded the ancient Thăng Long Citadel (Hanoi) against evil spirits, specifically protecting the North direction.
I. History & Spiritual Significance
Foundation: The temple was originally built during the Lý Dynasty, around , when King Lý Thái Tổ moved the capital to Thăng Long. Its primary purpose was to honor the deity Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ (Huyền Vũ in Chinese Taoism).
The Deity Trấn Vũ: He is revered as the God of the North, associated with water, the removal of evil spirits, and protection from disasters. Worshippers come here to pray for good health, fortune, and academic success.
Architectural Style: The temple features a traditional Chinese-Vietnamese architectural style, characterized by its deep red and black lacquer work, intricate wood carvings, and prominent three-gate entrance (Tam Quan).
II. Key Architectural Highlights
The Trấn Vũ Statue: The main attraction is the magnificent black bronze statue of Trấn Vũ, dating from . It stands nearly tall and weighs around (approx. ). Trấn Vũ is depicted with a long, flowing beard, bare feet, and dressed in regal robes, with his left hand making a sacred gesture and his right hand grasping a sword supported by a tortoise (a symbol of longevity).
The Large Bell: Look for the ancient bronze bell, cast in , which is a highly valued artifact within the complex.
Temple Grounds: The peaceful courtyard often features a majestic banyan tree and serene atmosphere, offering a quiet respite from city life.
III. Practical Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 190 Quán Thánh Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi. (Located directly opposite Trấn Quốc Pagoda, connected by the Thanh Niên causeway). |
| Opening Hours | Regular Days: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily. |
| Special Hours | 1st and 15th Lunar Days: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. Lunar New Year's Eve (Tết): Open all day/night. |
| Entrance Fee | Adults: 10,000 VND (approx. 0.40 USD). Students/Children: 5,000 VND. Free for children under a certain height/age and the disabled/elderly. |
| Recommended Duration | 30 to 45 minutes. |
| Phone Number | (No standard public international tourist number is widely advertised for the temple itself.) |
IV. Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
Dress Code: Visitors must show respect by wearing modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
Photography: While photos are generally permitted in the courtyard, be respectful and avoid taking photos of worshippers during prayers. Some sources suggest a small fee may apply for photography inside the main hall.
Combine Your Visit: The temple is perfectly located for combining with a trip to Trấn Quốc Pagoda (Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, directly across the causeway), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, and Ba Đình Square.
Parking: Paid parking for motorbikes is available near the entrance.
