Bắc Ninh
Bac Ninh Temple of Literature honours region’s scholarly legacy
BAC NINH - Bac Ninh is among the few localities in Vietnam that still preserve a provincial-level Temple of Literature, commemorating 677 successful laureates from the former Kinh Bac region.
The site stands as tangible evidence of Bac Ninh’s long-standing tradition of learning and academic achievement, and symbolises a deep-rooted respect for talent and scholarship embedded in Kinh Bac’s cultural heritage.
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Bac Ninh Temple of Literature. |
Today, the Bac Ninh Temple of Literature has become an important destination for sightseeing, study and research for local residents and visitors from across the country.
The complex is considered one of the most representative historical sites reflecting Kinh Bac’s scholarly tradition. It currently preserves 15 stone steles, regarded as the most authentic historical records of the region’s academic achievements.
Among them are 12 “Kim Bang Luu Phuong” steles, erected in 1889, which record the full names, titles and academic ranks of 677 laureates from Kinh Bac.
In 2020, these 12 doctoral steles were recognised by the Prime Minister as National Treasures.
Experts say the system of stone steles at the Bac Ninh Temple of Literature retains enduring value in education, talent cultivation and the responsibilities of intellectuals to society and the nation.
According to researcher Le Viet Nga, former director of the Bac Ninh Museum, during nearly 1,000 years of Confucian examinations, Kinh Bac ranked first nationwide in the number of top-degree laureates, with many distinctive characteristics.
Scholars note that while a tradition of learning is common across many regions of Vietnam, few places have produced academic achievements as outstanding and representative as those of Kinh Bac–Bac Ninh.
Throughout different historical periods, the Bac Ninh Temple of Literature has received sustained attention for restoration and preservation. Bac Ninh province is currently implementing a project to build technical infrastructure and auxiliary facilities for the Bac Ninh Temple of Literature Park.
The project covers an area of about 4.7 hectares, with total investment of nearly 692 billion VND (about 28.0 million USD), and is scheduled for implementation from 2024 to 2027.
It includes three functional zones: a central square and auxiliary structures; an integrated technical infrastructure area; and a complex featuring a shrine dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, a lotus pond, ceremonial grounds and landscaped spaces.
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