Giang Xá Pagoda (Bảo Phúc Tự)

Bảo Phúc Pagoda, Giang Xá village, Hoài Đức commune
1. Location
Bảo Phúc Pagoda (formerly Linh Bảo Tự), commonly known as Giang Xá Pagoda, is located in Giang Xá village, Hoài Đức commune, Hà Nội city. The pagoda is about 15–20 km west of central Hà Nội; visitors can easily travel via National Highway 32 or Thăng Long Boulevard, taking only about 30–40 minutes. With its tranquil space and more than 1,400 years of history, the pagoda is a typical spiritual destination of Hoài Đức.
2. Architecture and landscape
The pagoda was built on high ground, facing north, overlooking wide fields and the Tiểu Giang Biên stream. The pagoda grounds include a lotus pond, an ancient well, and many auxiliary structures, creating a peaceful, ancient landscape. The pagoda features traditional Nguyễn-era architecture with a “Công” layout, including the Tiền đường (front hall), Thượng điện (upper sanctuary), Tổ house (ancestor hall), Mẫu house (mother goddess hall), and many Buddha statues of artistic and historical value.
3. Historical figures
Bảo Phúc Pagoda is associated with the childhood and coming-of-age of King Lý Nam Đế (Lý Bí) – the first emperor of the Vạn Xuân state, forming a special relic complex including Giang Xá communal house, temple, and pagoda, with outstanding historical, cultural, and local belief values.
According to legend, as a child Lý Bí was raised and studied at the pagoda. This was also where he gathered forces and nurtured the will for an uprising against Northern rule, opening the era of national independence and self-governance in the 6th century.
4. Festival
Every year, Bảo Phúc Pagoda, together with Giang Xá communal house and temple, participates in traditional festival activities commemorating King Lý Nam Đế. During the festival, local people and visitors from afar come to offer incense, worship the Buddha, participate in cultural and spiritual rituals and distinctive traditional activities, contributing to preserving and promoting the historical and cultural values of Giang Xá homeland.
5. Ranking decision No. 534/QĐ-BT dated May 11, 1993, by the Ministry of Culture