Mao Dien Temple of Literature was built in the 15th century in Vinh Lai commune, Duong An district. During the Quang Trung period at the end of the 18th century, Mao Dien Temple of Literature was moved to Mao Dien commune, merged with the school and examination school (the place for examinations in feudal times) and became the place to train thousands of Confucian bachelors and doctors in the country.
Currently, the Temple of Literature worships Confucius - the founder of Confucianism and also worships 8 great scholars representing dynasties and fields who are natives of Hai Duong or famous people deeply related to Hai Duong's history and culture.
In 1992, Mao Dien Temple of Literature was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. After many restorations, embellishments and expansions, Mao Dien Temple of Literature has become a large relic site of Hai Duong with a total area of up to 7 hectares.
From 2002 to 2016, many construction items continued to be renovated, enhancing the inherent beauty of the Temple of Literature. In 2017, Mao Dien Temple of Literature was recognized as a special National Monument.
Today, Mao Dien Temple of Literature is a beautiful landscape, a destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, the pride of Dong province's culture, a place to encourage learning and talent of the ancient Dong region and present-day Hai Duong.
Mao Dien Temple of Literature Festival is held twice a year, in Spring and Autumn (of which, the Spring Festival is the main festival taking place in the second lunar month), is an occasion to commemorate the ancestors of the country, honor the tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers of generations of Hai Duong people.
The organization of the Mao Dien Temple of Literature traditional festival aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage values of the Relic, at the same time pay tribute to the great scholars and add to the tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers of generations of Hai Duong people.
