Temple of Literature in Hanoi, is a historic complex, built in 1070 during the Ly dynasty. As Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature honors Confucius and the sages and scholars of Confucian teaching. What makes this temple truly unique is its collection of 82 stone stelae placed on turtle statues. That record the names and accomplishments of some of Vietnam’s most successful scholars between the years 1442 to 1779. These stelae provide a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich educational history.

The Temple of Literature was constructed on the site of an older temple called the Temple of Confucius. Emperor Ly Thanh Tong wanted to build the country’s first university to promote the teachings of Confucianism, which emphasizes ethics, morality, justice, and effective governance. For over 900 years, the temple operated as Vietnam’s national university, educating the elite scholars, nobles, and royalty of the nation. Even today, the Temple of Literature remains an important symbol of academic achievement in Vietnamese culture.
Many of Vietnam’s most prestigious scholars and philosophers once studied in the temple’s classrooms and pavilions. For centuries, students would come from all over the country with the hopes of passing rigorous entrance exams to study at the temple.

A defining feature of the Temple of Literature complex is its collection of 82 stone stelae, erected on stone turtle statues. These stelae record the names, birthplaces, and accomplishments of some of Vietnam’s most exceptional scholars between 1442-1779, many of whom graduated as doctorates from the imperial academy located there.
The stelae were made out of stone to represent the stability and longevity of learning. Placing them on stone turtles signified endurance, as turtles live long lives. The earliest stelae were grouped in the third courtyard behind the temple, recognizing distinguished Confucian scholars and placing their achievements on record for future generations.

As one walks through the various courtyards, the names etched onto these weathered stones represent many generations of elite intellectuals who influenced Vietnamese society. They include administrators, historians, philosophers, military strategists, and men of letters who achieved academic excellence after decades of study. Several stelae have images carved into them showing scholars in scholarly pursuits such as writing books or using ink brushes.
The stone stelae are treasures that give modern visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s rich academic past and the importance Vietnamese culture placed on intellectual pursuits. The names etched onto their surfaces immortalized the scholars for their academic achievements.

Built on a unique east-west orientation, the temple has five courtyards lined along a central axis. Each courtyard would have served a different function, with various pavilions, halls, and gates. Many of the buildings feature traditional architecture with sloping tiled roofs embellished with Chinese characters in calligraphy. Some structures show Taoist influences blended with Vietnamese motifs.
The first two entrance courtyards provided a grand ceremonial entrance into the temple complex. In the third courtyard was the Imperial Academy, a key focal point where scholars would prepare for their examinations. The fourth courtyard contained the Thien Quang well, which provided water to the whole temple. While the last courtyard housed the altar where ceremonies honoring Confucius.
While much of the wooden architecture has faded away over past centuries, the stone turtle stelae remain along with several reconstructed structures. Many original features such as stone roof decorations in the shape of flowers and dragons can still be seen today. Together, these elements create a tranquil environment where ancient Eastern architecture blends flawlessly with a lush natural landscape.

In 2010, the Temple of Literature was under recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its undisputed significance. as Vietnam’s historical center of learning and knowledge. As the dedication stone in front of the temple states, it honors “the men of talent and virtue.”
The temple continues to celebrate Vietnam’s high regard for education. Many university graduates return here after graduation and newlyweds come to take wedding photos. The temple also hosts calligraphy workshops and summer camps. On certain holidays, university students in traditional gowns lead guided tours and ceremonies take place reenacting ancient rituals honoring Confucius.

With its elegant architecture and rich history, the Temple of Literature has stood for over nine centuries as a monument to the cultural importance Vietnam placed on Confucian education and scholarly achievement.

The Temple of Literature laid out over 13,000 sq meters with five walled courtyards lined along a main north-south axis. Visitors would pass through each courtyard via three monumental stone gateways. The stone stelae and stone turtles are primarily located in the third and fourth courtyards.

The first courtyard housed administrative buildings but very little remains today except parts of the original stone wall. Visitors first pass through the Great Middle Gate separating the first two courtyards. Two halls stand in the back housing modern exhibitions.

The second courtyard contained the Khue Van pavilion, built in 1805, which stored texts. Behind rose the Thien Quang well built in 1057 that still serves as the temple’s water supply via an underground pipe network.

The third courtyard housed the Imperial Academy first built in 1076, representing the heart of the temple complex. This is where university students prepared for their royal examinations.

The earliest stone stelae honoring Confucian scholars were erected here in 1484. Today, 82 stelae stand here, presenting the names and accomplishments of scholars from 1442-1779. The stelae are intricately carved with images of books and scenic poems. The 3-4 meter tall stelae mounted on stone turtles in five clusters.

The layout denoted a progression with winners of provincial tests in the plinths near the entrance, then higher winners in the raised plinths near the academy. The names etched on represent many generations of elite scholars in Vietnam’s history. The Historic Temple of Literature still maintains all of these precious treasures.

The fourth courtyard contained the Imperial Academy where ceremonies honoring Confucius took place twice per year. Two pavilions housed many relics related to the examination process.
More stone stelae and turtles are also located here, extended from the groupings in the third courtyard. The names carved on the stones and weathered by time represent Vietnam’s prestigious scholars.

The fifth courtyard once housed the National Academy established in 1076 where princes studied. Two halls stand here today behind a large pond. The southern building displays historical texts while the northern hosts six bronzes representing Vietnamese dynasties. The Imperial Academy altar stands opposite with incense burners and stone inscriptions from monarchs honoring their ancestors.
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