Pho Quang Pagoda (Xuan Lung)
Phú Thọ(Chùa Phổ Quang (Xuân Lũng))
Overview & history
Pho Quang Pagoda, also called Xuan Lung Pagoda, stands on a mound in Chua hamlet, Xuan Lung commune, Lam Thao district, Phu Tho province, facing west. Built in the Tran dynasty, it is about 800 years old.
Architecture
The complex comprises a gate-cum-bell-tower, a stele house and a Tam Bao hall in the “Cong” character plan with a worship hall, incense chamber and main sanctuary. The pagoda is a ranked national relic; its Tam Bao hall and stele house were restored in 2021.
The stone Buddha altar — National Treasure
The sanctuary houses a stone Buddha altar — a rectangular lotus pedestal over 1 m high, 1.25 m wide and 3.3 m long, assembled from blue-stone slabs and supporting the Three Ages Buddha triad. It was donated by the noble Nguyen Chieu and his wife Nguyen Thi Su and completed in early 1387 under the Tran dynasty. On 25 December 2021 the Prime Minister recognized the altar as a National Treasure (Decision 2198/QD-TTg) — one of five national treasures of Phu Tho province.
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: