Inside Ninh Binh’s over-500-year-old “Hundred-Room Pagoda”

Luong Pagoda (Phuc Lam Tu), together with the Tile Bridge and Luong Market, forms the distinctive “Tile Bridge – Luong Pagoda – Luong Market” cultural and heritage complex in Hai Anh commune.

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The Tile Bridge-Luong Pagoda-Luong Market form a distinctive cultural and heritage complex in the former Quan Anh area.

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As Phuc Lam Pagoda was built just north of Luong Market, local residents commonly refer to it as Luong Pagoda.

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The pagoda today is relatively large in scale, with 100 rooms, featuring traditional architecture and historical imprints, while still retaining the style of the 17th-18th centuries.

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Through many historical changes, the ancient pagoda has preserved its timeworn beauty, with distinctive and unique carving art.

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Luong Pagoda’s grounds comprise key structures totalling 49 rooms, including the front hall, Tam Bao hall, bell tower, rear hall, and two east–west corridors, all linked through interlocking roof structures to form a harmonious architectural complex.

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The east-west corridors house many valuable stone steles. The pagoda holds nearly 40 in total, divided into two groups: square steles with carved figures and round steles recording merits.

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The steles record diverse content, including contributions by local residents and the founding merits of four ancestors, as well as temple restoration efforts and land reclamation activities.

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The carving art is distinctive, featuring decorative motifs and dragons in varied poses. Across architectural elements, especially the beams of the front hall, painted patterns and carved dragons appear dynamic and fluid, conveying a lively presence and a high level of craftsmanship.

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Luong Pagoda’s main area clearly shows the high level of craftsmanship and refined aesthetic sensibility of traditional artisans.

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The structural frames of the pagoda’s buildings are solid and durable, ensuring long-term stability. Over the years, its architecture has retained a graceful and light appearance.

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Many visitors to Luong Pagoda are struck by an ancient well known as the “Jade Well.” Its circular walls are formed by stacked stone rings, and the water appears clear when viewed from above.

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All these elements come together to create a vivid and harmonious picture, enhancing the ancient beauty of Luong Pagoda.

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In particular, the ho phu (tiger-faced motif) is carved with striking vitality and expressive detail, adding a sense of majesty and appeal to the pagoda.

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The crescent-shaped pond, covering several hectares, reflects the tam quan (three-entrance gate) and rows of tall, ancient trees that cast shade over the pagoda. The pagoda grounds are clearly divided into two closely connected areas.

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Statues in the pagoda are placed on raised platforms, with calm and lifelike designs that reflect and connect with everyday life.

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Since early times, Luong Pagoda has been a notable destination in Thanh Nam, especially during its festival held in the third lunar month.

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The pagoda was recognised as a national historical and cultural relic in 1990.

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During the festival in the third lunar month, the Luong Pagoda, Luong Market and the Tile Bridge area becomes lively, with local residents organising traditional games and activities during and after the festival.