The Temple of Literature - National University is bustling with people seeking auspicious calligraphy for the new year.

In the early days of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, people flocked to the Temple of Literature - National University to enjoy the spring scenery and, especially, to ask for calligraphy, praying for happiness, peace, and success in their studies.

Báo Dân Việt•18/02/2026

The Temple of Literature - National University is bustling with people seeking auspicious calligraphy for the new year.

The Temple of Literature – National University is not only a place where people entrust their aspirations for learning and success, but also a vibrant tourist destination in the capital during the early days of the new year.

The ticket counters for visiting the Temple of Literature - National University are always packed with people.

A steady stream of people streamed through the main gate into the grounds of the Temple of Literature - National University, on February 17th.

Locals and tourists not only come to enjoy the scenery and celebrate the spring season, but also to ask for auspicious calligraphy for the new year.

Nguyen Quynh Trang asked for the calligraphy "may you achieve your desired results" so that her studies would go smoothly in the new year of the Horse (2026).

Inside the Confucius shrine, crowds of people jostled to pay their respects.

Besides asking for calligraphy, people also come here to take photos, check in, and preserve beautiful moments at the beginning of the new year.

The area around Van Lake (part of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam National Special Monument complex) - where the main activities of requesting and giving calligraphy take place - was always bustling with people on February 17th.

A calligrapher is performing a calligraphy demonstration upon request from a customer. For calligraphers, the first days of the new year are an opportunity for them to freely create, write, socialize, and earn extra income.

Each calligrapher, if they have many customers, can write hundreds of pieces a day. Each calligraphy stall has someone to assist with drying, packaging, and explaining the calligraphy...

The miniature landscapes around Van Lake are beautifully decorated, overflowing with red – the color of wealth and good fortune in the new year of the Horse 2026.

Quite a few international tourists are visiting Vietnam during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. Linda, from the Netherlands, shared that she feels lucky and very happy to be in Vietnam during these days. "The atmosphere is truly like a festival," she added.

The group of young people asked for auspicious phrases like "Passing the exam," "Successful," etc., hoping for outstanding and brilliant results in their studies and exams in the new year 2026.

The Temple of Literature – National University is a special historical and cultural complex located in Hanoi . It is considered the first university in Vietnam, a symbol of the nation's tradition of valuing education and respecting teachers. The complex was built in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to worship Confucius and other sages. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established the National University – the first university in the country, training talented individuals for the royal court.

The complex is laid out along a north-south axis, comprising many interconnected structures through gates and spacious courtyards. Most prominent are Khue Van Cac – an iconic architectural landmark of Hanoi; Thien Quang Lake with its clear blue waters; and 82 doctoral steles placed on the backs of stone turtles, inscribed with the names of those who passed the highest-level imperial examinations from the 15th to the 18th centuries. These steles have now been recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage site.

Beyond its historical significance, the Temple of Literature – National University is also a unique cultural space. Every spring, it hosts a calligraphy-giving and calligraphy-requesting activity, attracting large numbers of locals and tourists. Students often visit to pray for good luck in their studies, as a way of expressing their faith in the long-standing tradition of scholarship.

For nearly a millennium, the Temple of Literature – National University has maintained its solemn and ancient charm amidst modern life, becoming an indispensable destination when mentioning Hanoi – a land of thousand-year-old culture.

Ho Van Lake (also known as Giam Lake) is an important part of the overall Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam complex, located opposite the main gate of the inner courtyard. In the past, this was a space where scholars would recite poetry, discuss literature, and debate classical texts before each examination. In the middle of the lake is Kim Chau Hill, on which stands Phuong Dinh - an ancient architectural structure with an elegant appearance, harmonizing with the water's surface.

Today, Van Lake is a peaceful green space in the heart of Hanoi, often hosting cultural activities such as calligraphy exhibitions, displays, and spring events, contributing to preserving the nation's tradition of valuing education.