The Temple of Literature is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius

  One of the oldest sights in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature, called Van Mieu in Vietnamese. The "temple" was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Six years later, Vietnam's first university was founded here to teach the children of royalty and aristocracy (generally called mandarins). In 1484, another Emperor Le Thanh Tong had stele erected in one of the courtyards to record the statistics and achievements of those who received doctorates from the university. The school continued until its functions were transferred by Emperor Gia Long to the new capital at Hue in 1802.

The Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius, was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. In 1076, Vietnam's first university was established here to educate Vietnam's administrative and warriors class. Parts of the university date from this earlier time period although the large complex has undergone many changes over the centuries. But recent archaeological study indicates that the architecture of this site belongs primarily to the Ly (1010-1225) and Tran (1225-1400) Dynasties. The complex is in a tranquil park-like site in the heart of central Hanoi.
   In the courtyards of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi today remained 82 of the 116 steles with the name of all those excellent students. The steles are placed on a stone tortoise (tortoise is the symbol of longevity in the Vietnamese culture). It is a tradition and omen of good luck, touch the head of all turtles, that is the reason why the conservation status of some of these turtles is not very good. The steles dated the first examination by the year 1442, and the last in 1779.