Located in Le Chan ward (Hai Phong), Du Hang Pagoda (also known as Phuc Lam Tu), has long become one of the most ancient pagodas of the port city.
According to stele documents, the pagoda was formed from the pre-Le dynasty (980 - 1009), associated with the journey of spreading Buddhist teachings of the early monks.
At the end of King Le Dai Hanh's reign, a monk stopped here to preach, laying the foundation for the development of the pagoda. By the Tran Dynasty, the pagoda had a close relationship with the Truc Lam Zen sect founded by King Tran Nhan Tong. Therefore, this place still maintains rituals to commemorate the ancestors of the Zen sect on the 3rd day of the 11th lunar month every year.
Not only is it a place for cultivation, Du Hang Pagoda also bears the mark of many important events. In 1926, the memorial service for patriot Phan Chu Trinh took place here, attracting a large number of people to attend. After the August Revolution (1945), the pagoda was the birthplace of the Hai Phong National Salvation Sangha Association, and at the same time organized many activities to support the resistance, from material donations to hiding cadres.
With a thousand-year history, Du Hang Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1986. In terms of architecture, the pagoda impresses with its imposing scale and harmonious layout. The campus includes a 7-compartment main hall, a 3-story bell tower and many auxiliary works. The main hall is built in the style of the "Dinh" character, with ancestral houses and other functional areas arranged on both sides.
The bell tower stands out with the large "Phuc Lam Tu Chung" communal house hanging on the upper floor. The worship space is solemnly arranged with many ancient statues such as the Three Worlds Buddha, Nine Dragons, Ten Palaces of Minh Vuong... with high artistic value.
In addition, the pagoda also preserves a system of horizontal lacquered boards and finely carved parallel sentences, imbued with the Nguyen Dynasty style. In the tower garden behind, there are 9 stupas, among which the Truc Lam Tam To memorial towers are noteworthy.
Amidst the vibrant pace of urban life, Du Hang Pagoda still maintains its tranquility, becoming a familiar spiritual destination for people and tourists every time they visit Hai Phong.
