The Thang Long Imperial Citadel tour takes you to discover traces of the ancient capital in the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a World Cultural Heritage site inscribed by UNESCO. Passing through Doan Mon, the stone dragon terrace at the foundation of Kinh Thien Palace, and the 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological area, you will learn about royal architecture and the layers of history still marked beneath the ground. The journey continues at House and Tunnel D67, which preserves memories of important decisions during the resistance war against the US.
A culinary experience at Ngu Xa Pearl Island is a wonderful way to conclude your journey.
09:30–10:30
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel tour takes you to discover traces of the ancient capital in the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a World Cultural Heritage site inscribed by UNESCO. Passing through Doan Mon, the stone dragon terrace at the foundation of Kinh Thien Palace, and the 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological area, you will learn about royal architecture and the layers of history still marked beneath the ground. The journey continues at House and Tunnel D67, which preserves memories of important decisions during the resistance war against the US.
10:45–11:30
Quan Thanh Temple is one of four temples in the Thang Long Four Guardians system, built to guard the north of the ancient Thang Long Capital. Over nearly a thousand years of history, the temple is a convergence of outstanding values in history, architecture, belief, and traditional art of Hanoi.
Passing through layers of ancient gates, visitors will admire many bronze works of outstanding value. Right at the inner Nghi Mon is the Tran Vu Bell, a precious artifact associated with the temple's religious life over many centuries. The temple grounds also preserve a large bronze chime and a pair of massive bronze lamps, demonstrating the technical level and refined aesthetic thinking of Vietnamese artisans in the past.
The most distinctive highlight of Quan Thanh Temple is the Huyen Thien Tran Vu statue of black bronze nearly 4 meters high, weighing about 4 tons, cast in 1677 under King Le Hy Tong. The statue depicts the deity seated majestically on a stone pedestal, left hand forming a mudra, right hand holding a sword to suppress evil spirits, long flowing hair and a serene, majestic face.
This is considered one of the typical masterpieces of 17th-century Vietnamese bronze casting art, marking the high technical level of artisans from Ngu Xa craft village. Not only does it have special artistic value, the statue and the system of bronze artifacts in the temple are also vivid evidence of the famous bronze casting tradition of Thang Long - Hanoi.
Today, Quan Thanh Temple is not only an attractive cultural and historical destination but also a place that helps visitors discover the essence of traditional crafts and feel the cultural depth of this thousand-year-old land.
Bronze casting masterpiece
Huyen Thien Tran Vu bronze statue: A masterpiece of 17th-century Vietnamese bronze casting art, recognized as a National Treasure.
Turtle - Snake symbol: Coiled around the sword is a snake, beneath the sword tip is a turtle - two legendary sacred animals symbolizing the power and eternity of the Northern deity.
11:45–12:15
Visit the Ngu Xa Bronze Gallery.
Free time to enjoy cuisine on Ngu Xa Pearl Island.
