Chem – a unique temple of Thang Long Royal Citadel

(VOVWORLD) - 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.

Chem Temple’s administrative house and two steles houses with harmonious architecture, creating the temple’s unique beauty.

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.