HAI PHONG – Along with Bao Thien tower, Tuong Long tower is a stupa of the Ly dynasty, built to attract tourists to spring and celebrate the beginning of the year.
Tuong Long Tower is located on the top of Long Son mountain 95.2 m high above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Cuu Long range of Do Son Peninsula. According to researchers, the tower was built in 1058, during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. According to legend, the tower is the place where a “mountain of water accumulates” so it can capture the sacred air of heaven and earth.
The tower is named Tuong Long because King Thanh Tong dreamed that a golden dragon appeared in Truong Xuan Palace, wishing to record a good omen. Along with Bao Thien tower in Thang Long capital, Tuong Long tower is one of the two most magnificent Buddhist works in the Ly dynasty (1010-1225) when Buddhism flourished and was honored as the State religion.
Over thousands of years, the ancient tower only remained with a square foundation. The current tower that visitors visit is a simulated version of 9 floors, square, 37.14 m high. The project was inaugurated on November 19, 2017, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Do Son district. The reconstruction and embellishment of Tuong Long tower aim to honor historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values, promote national identity, preserve for posterity the heritage of ancestors, and contribute to improving living standards. culture and spirit for people and visitors.
The tower shell is built of ceramic bricks with patterns and textures according to the fine arts of the Ly Dynasty, delicate and soft. Dragon image of the Ly Dynasty with a characteristic crest, nose and mane.
The complex of relics of Tuong Long pagoda and tower includes Tuong Long tower, archaeological hole cover and Tuong Long pagoda and tower complex. Among them, Tuong Long tower is recognized as a tourist destination by Hai Phong City People’s Committee. From the temple complex, visitors can experience panoramic views of the Do Son district and the windy coast. On the four sides of the roof of the pagoda, the image of a dragon head of the Ly dynasty is decorated with a long nose, a wide mouth, and an Anh Vu bird made of terracotta.
On the first days of the year, tourists from all over the world flock to pray for a peaceful, healthy, and lucky year. Dinh Thi Hanh (black and white shirt), living in An Dong, Hai Phong, every year with her family goes to festivals and spring trips here. “Since knowing about this pagoda, I have come here every New Year to pray for good luck. The temple has a large space and many places to take pictures, so it is very suitable to come here with my family for a spring vacation,” Hanh shared.
Inside the temple, peaceful Buddhist music is played continuously, making visitors near and far have a feeling of purity and calm. In the photo is the tallest Buddha statue in the three jewels.
Visitors to the complex not only come to celebrate but also have the opportunity to learn about history and culture through archaeological remains at the house covering the archaeological pit. The ancient tower relic still has a square foundation, the side is 7.86 m long, the heart of the tower is hollow, with an area of about 9 m2. The bricks to build the tower were found to have concave, moderate depth, rectangular frame, embossed with two rows of Chinese characters about the tower’s construction date: “Ly Gia the third emperor, Long Thuy Thai Binh was created in the fourth year”.
Inside the pagoda, there are many miniatures, statues of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Buddhas. The highlight in the relic complex is the work “Tien Truc Golden Temple” inlaid with gold inside. This is a spiritual work with Buddhist culture connecting the ancient and the needle, the drum and the modern. Thien Truc golden pagoda is a symbol of Buddha-land, it is not only a place to serve spiritual and religious activities for the people but also has the effect of supporting the nation’s peace and prosperity.
Inside the complex of relics planted and gifted with many kinds of flowers, such as magnolia, peach blossom, grapefruit… Which, the magnolia flower symbolizes dignity and nobility and peach blossom in the campus is in full bloom. , there are still many buds. Pink brings a joyful atmosphere, filled with the colors of a spring that has come.
In the tower gate area, there is a stall in early spring, in which visitors can come to ask for the word Mr. Do to get lucky, with the hope of a happy and prosperous new year.
The complex attracts many visitors from inside and outside the province to visit, take photos, and leave early in the spring to get lucky. Visitors can combine visiting Do Son beach and visiting Hang Pagoda and Ba De Temple nearby.