Quán Thánh Temple

The Quán Thánh temple, in Hanoi

The Quán Thánh temple is one of the oldest and most venerated of Hanoi, a Taoist temple founded in the eleventh century, dedicated to Trấn Vũ, protective deity of the North. The Hanoi audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary of the Four Sacred Temples of the capital, a haven of peace near the West Lake.

The Taoist sanctuary protector of the North

Here stands the Quán Thánh temple; advance a little more to see it as a whole. Founded in the eleventh century under the emperor Lý Thái Tổ, it is dedicated, with respect, to Trấn Vũ, a Taoist deity venerated as protector of the North. It is part of the Four Sacred Temples of Hanoi, erected at each cardinal point to symbolically protect the capital against the evil forces. Situated near the West Lake, the largest lake of the town, it is a place of peace and contemplation in the heart of the urban bustle. Its architecture illustrates Vietnamese religious syncretism, by combining Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian influences, long mingled in the spirituality of the country. The main gate, adorned with Chinese characters, leads to a great courtyard shaded by old trees, conducive to meditation. Inside the sanctuary, in an atmosphere of gravity and incense, you discover the treasure of the temple: an imposing bronze statue of Trấn Vũ, nearly four metres high and weighing several tonnes, cast in the seventeenth century, one of the most remarkable of this type in Vietnam, represented with the foot placed on a turtle and a serpent, symbols associated with the deity. A place of prayer for nearly a thousand years, the temple keeps bells, stelae and old objects of worship. A Taoist temple and a guardian of the capital, the Quán Thánh temple is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, one of the oldest temples of Hanoi, founded in the eleventh century and dedicated to the Taoist deity Trấn Vũ, protector of the North, one of the Four Sacred Temples of the capital; near the West Lake, its syncretic architecture leads to a shaded courtyard and shelters an imposing bronze statue of Trấn Vũ, nearly four metres high, cast in the seventeenth century. The Quán Thánh temple is a sanctuary of Hanoi. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Quán Thánh temple lies near the West Lake, in the Ba Đình district, in Hanoi, reachable on foot. A Taoist place of worship, it can be visited with respect; entry and hours follow the conditions of the temple, which vary, and access may be subject to a fee. It is best to enquire before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

To whom is the Quán Thánh temple dedicated in Hanoi?

To Trấn Vũ, a Taoist deity venerated as protector of the North; founded in the eleventh century under the emperor Lý Thái Tổ, this temple is one of the Four Sacred Temples of Hanoi, near the West Lake, and shelters an imposing bronze statue of Trấn Vũ, nearly four metres high, cast in the seventeenth century.

Where is the Quán Thánh temple in Hanoi?

Near the West Lake, in the Ba Đình district, in Hanoi, in Vietnam.