Chem – a unique temple of Thang Long Royal Citadel
Sunday, 09:14, 08/07/2018
VOV.VN - Chem Temple originated from an ancient shrine dating back to the 16th century with influences of Taoism and Confucianism.
Chem Temple in 1930 in French documents |
Chem Temple in 2018. The temple’s architecture remains intact. |
Chem Temple is located in Thuy Phuong ward, Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi. The temple has a prime location by the Red River, an ideal feng shui position, leaning against the mountain and facing the river. |
4 pillars and the three-door gate of the temple |
A ritual at Chem Temple in 2018 |
Chem Temple’s administrative house and two stele houses with harmonious architecture create the temple’s unique beauty. |
The lacquered board “Heaven and Earth” |
Chem Temple’s House of Ceremony |
A wooden piece carved with a poem about Vietnam's four sacred animals |
Traces of a palanquin procession dating back to 1916 still remain on the temple’s wall. Older bricks of different colors stand out in the wall. |
In tribute to the Genie of Chem, an old carpenter, who is the ancestor of the current temple caretaker, spent 3 years to design and carve the temple’s altar. |
Designed and carved in the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), the altar is considered one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. |
The Chem temple festival is held annually from the 14th to 16th of the 5th lunar month. This is a very unique festival in northern Vietnam. |