In the first days of the new year Binh Ngo Tet 2026, according to Lao Dong reporters' records, a large number of people and visitors from all directions have chosen Nghe Temple (Hai Phong City) - a national historical relic to worship and enjoy spring.
Nghe Temple is a historical and cultural relic worshiping General Le Chan. She was a talented and heroic general, making many resounding feats of arms in the Hai Ba Trung uprising, and was conferred the title of "Chief of internal military command", assigned the important task of guarding Hai Tan region by Trung Vuong.
To commemorate the merits of the General - the person who founded An Bien village in the past and laid the foundation for Hai Phong city today - the people built An Bien temple to worship her. Initially, it was just a small mosque roofed with paintings, and in 1919, the temple was built and restored in the style of Nguyen Dynasty art.
In 2008-2009, with the State's attention and investment in repair and restoration costs, Nghe Temple became increasingly spacious and beautiful. Currently, Nghe Temple is an architectural work including: nghi mon, tiền bái tower, thiêu hương, hậu cung, giải vũ, nhà bia, nhà từ phủ, place for placing stone elephant and stone horse statues.
The front hall consists of 5 compartments supported by 24 ironwood columns, placed on 24 elaborately carved boulders. In the center of the front hall roof, Chinese characters "An Bien Co Mieu" are embossed. The rear palace consists of 3 compartments, built higher than the front hall because of the 2-story roof design, adding to the majesty and majesty of the project.
The special feature of Den Nghe architecture is the art of carving on wood and stone with the themes: dragon, unicorn, turtle, phoenix; pine, chrysanthemum, bamboo, apricot blossoms, showing the technique of carving bong hình, carving nổi, carving chìm, reaching a level of sophistication.
Typically, a large stone stele carved during the Nguyen Dynasty, recording the biography of General Le Chan. The pagoda tower hangs a stone statue with the embossed theme "Long van khanh hoi" with sophisticated, soft, and flexible lines.
In the incense burner, there is a massive stone bed, made of solid stone blocks, with embossed images of birds, animals, flowers, and leaves, very elaborate. In the rear palace, the statue of the General sits on the altar, placed in a large lacquered and gold-plated shrine, with a majestic and humble appearance.
The Nghe Temple Festival is held from the 8th to the 10th day of the 2nd lunar month every year, attracting a large number of tourists to visit the relic and commemorate General Le Chan.
Ms. Nguyen Truc Ngan (Hai An ward, Hai Phong) shared: "In the first days of the year, my family always chooses Nghe Temple as one of the spiritual places to offer incense and pray for a peaceful year. The space in the temple is always emphasized every year, every detail is carefully decorated, helping me feel peaceful in my soul.
In the chilly air with drizzling rain in the early spring days, the flow of people returning to Nghe Temple is increasing. Not only people from Hai Phong but also tourists from all over come here to offer incense and send wishes for the beginning of the year.
For many people, spring travel is not simply a religious activity but also a journey back to the origin, reminding of the heroic tradition of our ancestors.
Mr. Nguyen Truong Vu (Hong Bang ward, Hai Phong) said that every year his family spends time visiting the temple at the beginning of spring. "Every time I step through the main worship area, I clearly feel the solemnity and tranquility. The fragrance and colors of spring flowers are skillfully arranged, making people's hearts feel calmed down, ignoring the hustle and bustle of the old year," Mr. Vu shared.
For out-of-province tourists, Den Nghe leaves an impression not only because of its historical value but also because of its ancient architectural beauty. Many people spend time admiring each delicate carved detail on wood and stone, capturing moments of the beginning of the year in a brilliant space.
Ms. Ngo Ngoc Diep (Le Chan ward, Hai Phong) chose Den Nghe as a photo and sightseeing location many days ago.
I came here to take photos with the traditional ao dai from the 15th day of the twelfth lunar month, the solemn temple and pagoda space further embellished the photos. The embossed lines are very sophisticated, soft, and flexible, so on the first day of the new year, my family and I returned to light incense sticks, expressing our sincerity" - Ms. Diep said.
Amidst the respectful crowd, everyone carries a private wish for the new year, but in general, they all aim for peace, luck and smooth traffic - like a cultural beauty preserved through generations.
