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When talking about must-visit tourist destinations in the northern region, Van Mieu Bac Ninh is certainly not to be missed. This iconic structure represents the culture of learning in the Kinh Bac region with its long history, ancient architecture, and special significance to the local people. Let's explore this interesting destination along with many attractive cultural activities in the article below.
Van Mieu Bac Ninh is one of the most famous Van Mieu in Vietnam, symbolizing the spirit of learning and rich historical and cultural values. It preserves many artifacts and documents that testify to the tradition of studying and taking exams of our ancestors. Over hundreds of years, it has gradually become an important historical site for the people of Bac Ninh and is a must-visit when traveling in this locality.
Van Mieu Bac Ninh is an attractive tourist destination in Kinh Bac
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Van Mieu Bac Ninh is situated on Phuc Son mountain in Khu 10, Vo Cuong ward, Bac Ninh province, previously part of Dai Phuc ward in Bac Ninh city. Not only does it hold cultural and historical value, but the site is also associated with many traditions of learning and examinations, serving as a place of worship for Confucius and the virtuous scholars of the country.
Previously, Van Mieu was built on Chau Son mountain in Thi Cau, but due to damage, it was relocated to Phuc Son in 1893. Visitors who come here will feel the tranquility, spirituality, and immense peace.
Van Mieu is located on Phuc Son mountain, Vo Cuong ward
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Van Mieu Bac Ninh was established during the Le So period to worship and offer sacrifices to Confucius. By the 5th year of Thanh Thai, specifically Quy Ty 1893, it was moved to Phuc Son, now part of Vo Cuong ward.
The relocation process was prepared in 1889, when the Director of Education Do Trong Vy had 12 stone steles carved to commemorate 677 scholars from the Kinh Bac region at that time. This was to affirm the tradition of studying and the glory of examinations. By 1928, Van Mieu was restored and an additional stele "Bac Ninh tinh trung tu bi ky" was erected to mark the restoration efforts.
Over time, Van Mieu has become a symbol of learning in Kinh Bac
During the resistance against the French from 1946 to 1954, Van Mieu Kinh Bac suffered heavy destruction, and the stone stele system was scattered. After peace was restored, it was renovated, and by the end of the 20th century, only the Tien te, Hau cung, and two wings Ta vu and Huu vu remained. In 2001, the structure was further restored to serve its original purpose.
Along with the capital city of Ha Noi and the ancient capital of Hue, Van Mieu Bac Ninh is the third significant and highly solemn structure. The historical and cultural site today serves as a center for many cultural activities related to education, promoting the tradition of learning and examinations. Van Mieu frequently welcomes delegations of outstanding students from both international and national levels to offer incense and report their achievements after each exam.
The site holds important significance regarding the tradition of learning
With its carefully preserved historical pages, Van Mieu of Kinh Bac contains many valuable documents of Vietnamese civilization. Not only does it worship Confucius and the virtuous scholars, but it is also a distinctive cultural destination for visitors to explore, learn about education, and the country's arts.
After 400 years of construction and standing firm, Van Mieu Bac Ninh still retains its ancient beauty with architecture rich in Confucian elements, including the main gate, bell tower, and stone tower, along with a central area, worship tower, and two wings.
Upon entering the site through the gate, visitors will encounter the Nghi mon gate built in the Tam quan style, meaning there are three entrances. The highlight of the gate features a lantern pillar, guardian lions, phoenixes, and impressive decorations of Tu Quy and Tu Linh, exuding majesty and sanctity.
Nghi Mon gate in traditional tam quan style
In the center of the Van Mieu courtyard stands a solidly erected stele, shielding the worship area. The heart of the site is the Tien te hall with five compartments and two roofs, adorned with traditional dragon carvings facing the moon, along with exquisite sculptures on the doors. The entrance bears the character Tho, representing longevity and the significance of enduring education.
Following the Tien te hall is the Hau duong area dedicated to worshiping Confucius, featuring an architectural style that combines elements of Chu Cong, Tu Phoi, and Tien te, forming the character Cong, a characteristic feature of Confucian architecture. On either side are stone steles inscribed with the names of the virtuous scholars from Kinh Bac, along with the stele house and the editing house.
The stele area of the historical site
The area in front of the Tien te hall, with two wings Ta vu and Huu vu, is designed simply. This is where the rituals of Van Mieu are performed, contributing to the site's harmonious, majestic, and grand appearance, symbolizing the glorious tradition of examinations.
Currently, Van Mieu in Bac Ninh preserves 15 Doctorate steles inscribed with content about the tradition of studying and respecting the teachings of ancestors. Among them, 12 steles bear the names of the top scholars, Bang nhan, and Tham hoa, all located in Ta vu and Huu vu, which have been recognized as national treasures by the Prime Minister.
The top of each stele has a curved shape and is impressively decorated with two dragons facing the moon. The author of the steles, Do Trong Vy, meticulously collected, compared, and compiled details to form the "Kim bang luu phuong" collection of the site.
The Doctorate steles preserved at Van Mieu
The cultural and historical site Van Mieu Bac Ninh, located on Dai Phuc mountain, is only about 30 km from the center of Ha Noi, heading northeast. The travel time is approximately 1 hour depending on traffic density and various types of vehicles. Traveling to Van Mieu by motorbike and car is also very simple; you can refer to the route below:
The route to Van Mieu is easy to navigate
To make it more convenient for visiting the site without spending too much time finding the way, you can take bus number 54. The bus departs from Long Bien bus station to the old Bac Ninh city. The bus stop is Bac Ninh bus station, from there you only need to take a taxi for about 2 km to reach Van Mieu.
Traveling by bus is more convenient
Today, Van Mieu Bac Ninh is not only a tourist destination but also a cultural and festival hub that contributes to building and enhancing the spirit of learning among the local people. If you have the opportunity to visit Van Mieu, you should not miss the meaningful festival activities to understand this site better.
Every January, Van Mieu holds a solemn incense offering ceremony. The ceremony is attended by many leaders of Bac Ninh province to commemorate the ancestors and pray for national peace and prosperity. Additionally, this place is also a site for students to offer incense and report their achievements after each exam.
Incense offering ceremony in January
Van Mieu often hosts many exhibitions about the vibrant culture and traditional scholarly achievements of the Kinh Bac region in particular and the whole country in general. This activity provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about history and education.
Exhibition at Van Mieu
This is one of the activities that attracts many visitors whenever they visit Van Mieu. Calligraphers will write calligraphy and offer characters with the meaning of wishing good luck and success in studies and careers. This activity usually takes place every Wednesday and Friday.
Requesting lucky characters at Van Mieu
Van Mieu in Bac Ninh is a meaningful destination for exploring cultural history and traditional scholarly values. To have a complete trip, here are some notes and experiences that you should keep in mind.
Experience for a complete visit to Van Mieu
Van Mieu Bac Ninh is both a symbol of the tradition of learning and a historical site with many wonderful festival activities for your experience journey. If you wish to explore Bac Ninh or other destinations,travel to Bac Ninh as well as many other destinations inside and outside the country, contact NVK Travel for advice. Don't forget to visit the website nvktravel.com for more attractive travel and entertainment destinations!
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