Thanh Lang Pagoda - Provincial historical and architectural relic

10/03/2025 14:30

(BNP) - Thanh Lang pagoda (Lang pagoda) is located in Duong Xa 2 quarter, Van An ward, Bac Ninh city. The pagoda is located at the end of the area, facing East, facing Ngu Huyen Khe river, surrounded by a densely populated residential area. This is the only remaining ancient architectural work in the area, including the Tam Bao (Three Treasures) building, Ancestral house, and guest house. The pagoda was ranked as a historical and architectural relic by the Provincial People’s Committee in 2008.

Thanh Lang pagoda was built a long time ago. Until now, it still preserves the scale and architecture from the Nguyen dynasty along with a system of valuable antiques in terms of art and aesthetics representing each different period.

The pagoda currently includes the following structures: 5-compartment Tien Duong (Front Ceremonial Hall) with 2 wings, 3-compartment Thieu Huong (Incense Burning), 5-compartment Thuong Dien (Upper Hall), 3-compartment Tam Quan (Three Gates) with 2 wings, 5-compartment Ancestral house, 5-compartment Mother-goddess house. Tam Bao building is a rather massive structure with an architecture of Chinese “Cong” letter (I). It faces West, and is a connection of 5-compartment Tien Duong, 3-compartment Thieu Huong and 5-compartment Thuong Dien. The massive ironwood frame is connected by trusses with large wooden components.

On the first sentence of the middle room of the Tien Duong is engraved the Chinese characters “Tự Đức tam thập nhất niên tuế thứ Mậu Dần tu tạo”. Therefore, Lang pagoda was renovated in Mau Dan year, Tu Duc 31st year (1878). Most of the pillars are carved with motifs of “tứ linh”, “tứ quý” (four sacred animals), bodhi leaves, spear-shaped patterns, and fire patterns in the artistic style of the Le and Nguyen dynasties.

Typical artifacts include: 2 Nguyen dynasty’s untitled steles; 1 statue of a Holy Monk, 1 statue of Duc Ong, 1 set of statues of the Jade Emperor, Nam Tao, Bac Dau, 2 statues of the Queen, horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, and artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty.

The festival is held on January 15. The pagoda and all the people prepare offerings to pray for peace, health and luck.