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

Quang Trung Temple is not only a historical monument but also a natural scenic spot, an aesthetic creation of humankind, and perhaps a special "home" of the beloved city of Vinh – a place where silent members care for this historical landmark.

Quang Trung Temple is not only a historical monument but also a natural scenic spot, an aesthetic creation of humankind, and perhaps a special "home" of the beloved city of Vinh – a place where silent members care for this historical landmark.

Construction linked to conservation.

The Quang Trung Temple has been in use since 2008. In the summer of 2009, I took my classmates from the North to my home for a visit, and the Quang Trung Temple was our first destination. I still vividly remember that on the way up the mountain, we stopped many times to exclaim in wonder at the panoramic view of 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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.

Along with the Phuong Hoang Trung Do historical site and the Vinh ancient citadel, the Quang Trung Temple is a relic within the Quang Trung ancient citadel complex, a testament to a glorious period in the nation's history. Located on the second peak of Dung Quyet mountain, 97 meters above sea level, the temple is situated in a sacred area chosen by King Quang Trung as his capital more than 220 years ago. The structure was inaugurated on May 7, 2008. The temple is large in scale, with spacious grounds and beautiful architecture; it includes the lower, middle, and upper halls, the left and right wings, the triple-arched gate, and various ceremonial artifacts… all restored according to the culture of the Nguyen Dynasty. This is a cultural and spiritual site linked to tourism, meeting the needs of domestic and international tourists who come to admire and commemorate the merits of Emperor Quang Trung and enjoy the scenery of a region rich in history, a land of outstanding people and epic traditions, and deeply rooted in the identity of Nghe An province.

The entire temple is made of ironwood. The walkways, curbs, and temple courtyard are paved with Thanh Hoa stone, creating a majestic, modern yet ancient appearance. The temple's truss system is of the "gong-shaped" type with overlapping beams, carved with motifs in the Nguyen dynasty style. The roof is covered with curved tiles, consisting of two layers: flat tiles and flat tiles. The floor is paved with antique Bat Trang tiles, restored from Ha Tay. The walls are built with Bat Trang bricks, and the doors and windows are of the "upper lattice, lower panel" style...

The Quang Trung Temple was constructed over a period of three years, with a total investment of over 22 billion VND, undertaken by the Cultural Works Construction Joint Stock Company under the Ministry of Culture and Information. This is one of 36 construction items in the Dung Quyet Mountain Lam Vien historical relic complex.

Tomorrow, August 26, 2022 (corresponding to the 29th day of the 7th lunar month of the Year of the Tiger ), Vinh City will solemnly hold the 230th anniversary commemoration of Emperor Quang Trung. This commemoration is an opportunity for us to respectfully remember and reflect on the great contributions and achievements of this national hero, a military genius, and a wise king of our nation. It is also a chance to recall the indomitable struggle, the patriotic tradition of fighting against foreign invaders throughout the long history of our nation's founding and defense. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for future generations to pray for national peace and prosperity, and for happiness and well-being for all families.

Diep Thanh

Source: Nghe An Newspaper ( August 25, 2022 )

Source: https://www.nghean.gov.vn/danh-lam-thang-canh/den-tho-quang-trung-diem-den-hap-dan-trong-long-thanh-vinh-625246