Quang Trung Temple: An attractive destination in the heart of Vinh City.

Construction linked to conservation.

The Quang Trung Temple was put into use in 2008. In the summer of 2009, I brought my classmates from the North to my house to play andQuang Trung TempleIt was our first destination. I still vividly remember that on the hike up the mountain, we stopped many times to exclaim in wonder as we gazed out at the city center.

A panoramic view of the front of the temple dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Vinh City, viewed from the highest point of Dung Quyet Mountain, resembles a miniature model, peaceful and beautiful. Reaching the temple, we were once again amazed by the Lam River winding alongside Hong Mountain, its waters soft and sparkling in the afternoon sun. Further in the distance, we saw Cua Lo beach with its tiny islands and villages on the other side of the Lam River... With our expertise as art students, we spent the rest of the afternoon photographing the scenery from the temple and commenting on its architecture. “The temple has many advantages to become a famous tourist destination. We only hope that future restoration, repairs, and construction will not detract from its inherent antiquity and solemnity,” Mr. Hoang Manh Hung, now a renowned architect in Hanoi, told me.

That concern stems from the fact that we have witnessed too many historical relics, temples, and pagodas being damaged after restoration, reconstruction, and new construction with many incongruous and inappropriate details. Fortunately, to date, after 14 years and numerous restorations and repairs, I am proud that the temple dedicated to the national hero Quang Trung still retains its original solemn, ancient, and majestic beauty. The overall plan ensures harmony and aesthetics, with the structures perfectly blending into the overall landscape and architecture of the temple. Furthermore, with the lush and diverse growth of the surrounding trees, the atmosphere here is even more refreshing and unique.

The temple has retained its ancient and sacred beauty despite numerous renovations. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Give me a tour of the temple in the days leading up to the 230th anniversary of his death.Emperor Quang TrungMr. Nguyen Van Xuan, Deputy Head of the Temple Management Board, showed me the renovations the temple has undergone in recent years. From the altar to the incense burner, from the mosaics to the wooden panels, from the trees to the statues… Some were donated by philanthropists, some were invested in by the Department of Culture, and some were renovated by the management board, but everything is harmonious and up to standard.

Despite many changes compared to the past, the overall design, arrangement, and layout of the temple still ensure harmony and aesthetics. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

“We always carefully consider every aspect of the temple's renovation and construction, from small details to major changes. Besides reaching consensus and deliberation among the management board members, we also seek assistance from industry experts. Once we reach a consensus, the implementation process also requires responsibility and careful attention. For example, we consider whether the statues of the soldiers are dressed in the correct traditional Vietnamese attire, and whether the placement of certain plants is appropriate for the surrounding landscape… Some philanthropists have proposed gilding the statue of Emperor Quang Trung or placing statues of mythical creatures like lions and mythical beasts, costing hundreds of millions of dong, within the temple grounds, but we have frankly refused because it is inappropriate,” Mr. Xuan said.

Silently beneath the trees

Another distinguishing feature of Quang Trung Temple is its civilized, solemn, and clean environment. I have never seen any petty trading, touting, begging, or littering like in many other temples and pagodas. The most common sights here are locals strolling and exercising in the mornings and evenings, groups of students holding extracurricular activities, and tourists offering incense and sightseeing. The stalls selling offerings and souvenirs in the temple are unattended; instead, visitors take items themselves and put money into a box according to the posted prices. All of this creates a fresh, friendly, and relaxing atmosphere. This positive image stems from the dedication and quiet determination of the staff and employees of the historical site management board.

The path leading to the temple is always shady and clean, making it a favorite destination for people in Vinh City. Photo: Diep Thanh

If I hadn't been introduced beforehand, I wouldn't have recognized Phan Thuy An – the tour guide at Quang Trung Temple – when I saw her sweeping the temple gate. Seeing my surprised expression, An smiled and said, "Here, everyone, including the head and deputy head of the temple management board, voluntarily takes on the cleaning job." An, formerly a tour guide, has been working here for two years, earning 3.5 million VND a month. Many who took on this job before An chose to quit after a few months of probation. As a young, dynamic, and intelligent woman, An could have easily found a better option, but she chose to stay after overcoming the initial difficulties. “I admire the uncles, aunts, and older siblings who have worked here since the early days of the temple's construction. Quietly and silently, they have dedicated their love and passion to caring for the temple of the national hero, as if it were their second home. It is these unsung heroes who have given me the motivation and joy to stay committed to this profession,” An shared.

Mr. Ngo Huy Phuong hangs flags and decorates the temple ahead of the 230th anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung's death. Photo: Diep Thanh

Among those who have been involved since the temple's construction, Mr. Ngo Huy Phuong is the furthest away. His wife and children live in Quynh Luu, and he can only arrange to visit home once a week. Explaining his unwavering dedication over the past 14 years, he recounted: "I used to be an employee of the Vinh City Culture Department. When I was assigned to the temple, because the job required me to stay there frequently and the income was low, I considered changing jobs. At that time, my father was still alive, and he told me: 'This is a meaningful job, fate has ordained it this way, so stay and fulfill your responsibilities.'" Because of his promise to his father, Mr. Phuong stayed, and because his feelings for the temple grew stronger, he is satisfied and proud of that choice.

Mr. Nguyen Van Xuan rearranges the offerings at the self-service stall. Photo: Diep Thanh.

“At the temple, there are many people who silently dedicate themselves and work like this. The greatest value we receive while working here is peace of mind. Low wages, difficult living conditions, and long distances are all important, but the members always believe they are doing their best to preserve and care for a historical site with immeasurable tangible values. Perhaps that's why we find our own motivation and peace. We only hope that this sentiment can be passed on to future generations,” Mr. Nguyen Van Xuan shared.

The temple dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung is a source of pride for the people of Vinh City. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The temple dedicated to King Quang Trung currently houses many valuable historical artifacts. Photo: Dinh Tuyen