An Vinh Pagoda
Tuyên Quang(Chùa An Vinh)
Overview & history
An Vinh Pagoda, formally “An Vinh Zen Temple”, is the largest pagoda in Tuyen Quang city, set on a hill in Hung Thanh commune about 4.5 km from the city center. It was founded in the 18th century on grounds of about 1,000 m².
Architecture
After many restorations, the pagoda now follows the “Dinh” character plan with an incense hall and upper sanctuary, fronted by a forecourt hall. Ancient parallel-sentence inscriptions survive at the gate.
Relics
The pagoda preserves many valuable artifacts: twelve wooden statues in the sanctuary — the Three Ages Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Jade Emperor and Nine Dragons sets; two Le-dynasty steles — the 1720 “Tao tac hung cong bi ky” and the 1727 “Trung tu Bao Phuc tu bi ky” — listing donors who built and restored the temple; a bronze bell cast in 1734, a bronze gong chime from 1797 (3rd year of Canh Thinh), and numerous lacquered boards and couplets of historical and artistic value.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit: