Temple of Literature (van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) was founded in 1070 by Emperor Lee Thanh Tong and dedicated to Confucius. It was the first University of Hanoi.

The temple of Literature consists of five courtyards separated by walls. The Central path, and a gate between the yards was destined for the king. Track on one side was used by the civil officials, on the other hand – by the military.

The pavilion Khue van, located at the far side of the second courtyard, was built in 1802 and is a fine example of Vietnamese architecture. In the third courtyard is the well of Heavenly clarity. Around him are 82 stone steles, on which are carved the results of public examinations to be held here from 1442 in 1779 HS, as well as biographies of those who successfully passed the exam.

The fourth courtyard leads into a hall, the roof of which is supported by two dragons. Here the Emperor and his mandarins were sacrificed before the altar of Confucius. From here you can go in the temple sanctuary, where there are statues of Confucius and his four students.