1. Introduction to Xa Tac Temple Quang Ninh
1.1. Geographical location and history of formation of Xa Tac Temple
Xa Tac Temple is located in Mong Cai 2 ward, Quang Ninh province with a convenient location for tourists to visit on their journey to explore the heritage region. From Bai Chay center, it only takes you about 10 minutes by car to get here. On the way, Ha Long scenery appears with green mountains and cool sea breeze, beginning a tranquil yet emotional tour.
According to historical records and local accounts, Xa Tac Temple was built during the Tran Dynasty, around the 13th - early 14th century. Initially, the temple was built on the bank of the Thac Mang river, consisting of three large bays, with yin-yang tiled roofs, all facing South. However, after a major storm in the early 20th century, the temple suffered severe erosion and had to be relocated to the Xoay Nguon area.
Through many historical events, the people have always preserved and worshipped this place as a symbol of reverence for heaven and earth. In 2005, Xa Tac Temple was recognized by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee as a provincial historical relic. By 2009, the structure was restored and expanded on a grander scale, with a total campus area of about 20,000m², of which the main temple area is 308m² – featuring architecture harmoniously blending tradition and modernity, preserving its ancient charm while expressing solemnity and grandeur.
Xã Tắc Temple is recognized as a National Historical Site. (Source: VOV)
1.2. Meaning of the name “Xã Tắc”
The name “Xã Tắc” carries a sacred meaning, associated with the worship of the Three Saints (Tam vị Thánh) – three deities revered by the people for hundreds of years. First is Xã Tắc Đại Vương, a deity considered the tutelary god of the former Móng Cái Prefecture. Second is Hưng Nhượng Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tảng, son of Hưng Đạo Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tuấn, an outstanding hero who made great contributions to the resistance wars against the Nguyên-Mông invaders. Finally, Cao Sơn Đại Vương, a deity presiding over culture, considered the spiritual protector of Đại Việt's civilization, symbolizing the nation's wisdom, ethics, and humanitarian traditions.
The combination of worshipping three deities in the same sacred space reflects the profound ideology of the Vietnamese people, honoring national heroes while preserving spiritual values and traditional knowledge. Each statue, each altar emanates the spirit of "drinking water, remembering its source" (uống nước nhớ nguồn), reminding today's generation of gratitude, national pride, and the aspiration to protect the country. Therefore, Xã Tắc Temple is not only a place for spiritual devotion but also an enduring symbol of Vietnam's resilient spirit, intellect, and civilization.
2. Exploring the unique architecture of Xã Tắc Temple in Quảng Ninh
The architecture of Xã Tắc Temple bears the strong imprint of Vietnamese traditional culture, clearly demonstrating sophistication, solemnity, and harmony between humans and nature. The temple is located on a high, airy plot of land by the Ka Long River, with a large total area, creating an open, serene, and sacred space. Viewed from afar, the temple stands out amidst the rolling mountainous landscape, appearing both solemn and evoking a sense of peace in the soul.
The structure is designed in the shape of the character “Công” (工) – a familiar traditional architectural style in Vietnamese temples and communal houses. The entire temple consists of three main sections: the front hall (tiền đường), the middle hall (trung đường), and the inner sanctuary (hậu cung), connected along a vertical axis, creating symmetry and balance in the overall space.
The architectural style of Xa Tac Temple bears the strong traditional imprint of the Vietnamese people. (Source: Dai Bieu Nhan Dan Newspaper)
The front hall consists of three bays and two side rooms, built higher and more imposing than the other two structures. This is where the main ceremonies take place, and also where visitors from all directions come to worship. Following is the middle hall with two bays, serving as a bridge between the front hall and the inner sanctuary, where ritual objects, drums, gongs, and incense bowls for worship are placed. Finally, the inner sanctuary, the most sacred area of the temple, consists of three bays dedicated to the worship of the Three Holy Ones: Xa Tac Dai Vuong, Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang, and Cao Son Dai Vuong.
The entire Xa Tac Temple is built with precious ironwood. The temple roof is covered with dragon scale tiles, gracefully curved at the four corners, reflecting the characteristic ancient architectural style of the North. Dark red brick walls combined with wooden columns intricately carved with dragon, phoenix, and cloud-water patterns, not only enhance the artistic beauty but also convey profound feng shui meanings: praying for national peace, abundant harvests, and a prosperous life.
Thanks to the harmonious combination of traditional architecture and charming natural scenery, Xa Tac Temple Quang Ninh is not only a sacred place of worship but also an attractive cultural tourist destination, allowing visitors to fully experience the spiritual beauty and the quintessence of ancient Vietnamese architectural art.
3. Discover and Experience Traditional Festivals at Xa Tac Temple
More than just an architectural work of spiritual value, Xa Tac Temple Quang Ninh is also known as the venue for unique traditional festivals, attracting a large number of local people and visitors from all directions. During festival occasions, the space here becomes vibrant with the sounds of drums and gongs, the fragrant scent of incense, and solemn rituals, showcasing the age-old cultural and spiritual beauty of the Vietnamese people.
3.1. Festival Schedule and Main Ritual Activities
The festival of Xa Tac Temple is usually held annually from the 29th day of the 1st lunar month to the 1st day of the 2nd lunar month, a time when local people gather to commemorate the merits of the Three Holy Ones: Xa Tac Dai Vuong, Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang, and Cao Son Dai Vuong. This is also an occasion for the people to express their gratitude to heaven and earth, praying for favorable weather, good harvests, national peace, and prosperity.
The festival of Xa Tac Temple Quang Ninh is solemnly organized with two main parts: the ceremony and the festival activities, creating a harmonious blend of spiritual and folk cultural elements. In the ceremony part, rituals are conducted according to ancient traditions, including: the water offering ceremony, the ritual bathing of the deities, the deity welcoming ceremony, the deity enthronement ceremony, the Xa Tac offering ceremony, the departure ceremony, the ceremony to offer food to souls, and the ceremony of offering sacrifices by agencies, organizations, and local people. Each ritual is performed solemnly, demonstrating reverence and gratitude towards heaven, earth, and the deities worshipped at the temple.
The ritual ceremony at Xa Tac Temple was solemn and respectful. (Source: Ethnic and Development Newspaper)
After the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere became more vibrant and lively with the festival part. Here, people and tourists immerse themselves in traditional cultural activities such as Chau Van singing, Quan Ho singing, water puppetry, pot breaking, tug of war, calligraphy, walking on a narrow bridge, pole wrestling… These activities not only bring joy and laughter but also vividly recreate the beauty of Vietnamese folk culture, contributing to preserving and spreading the spiritual values of the Xa Tac Temple festival through generations.
3.2. Significance of the Ceremony at Xa Tac Temple
The Xa Tac Temple Quang Ninh festival holds profound significance, not only as an occasion for people to express their reverence to ancestors and deities but also as an event honoring the historical and cultural values of the relic. Through solemn rituals and traditional activities, the festival clearly demonstrates the principle of “When drinking water, remember its source” – a beautiful aspect of Vietnamese spiritual life, reminding today's generation to always remember the merits of their forefathers and cherish the values left by the past.
At the same time, the festival is also an opportunity to promote the image of Xa Tac Temple and the beauty of national culture to domestic and international tourists, contributing to preserving and spreading the spirit of patriotism, national pride, and community cohesion in the traditional land of Quang Ninh.
4. Suggested Experiences When Visiting Xa Tac Temple
The journey to Xa Tac Temple Quang Ninh is not just a spiritual trip but also a unique cultural experience that helps tourists understand more about Vietnamese traditions, beliefs, and ancient architecture. This place offers a pure and sacred atmosphere, along with a harmonious landscape of mountains, rivers, and ancient architecture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and contemplation amidst modern life.
4.1. Worship and Prayer Activities
Each year, thousands of pilgrims visit Xa Tac Temple for worship and prayer. Local residents often come to offer incense, praying for health, peace, career success, and prosperity, wishing for family harmony and abundant harvests.
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at Xa Tac Temple every early spring. (Source: Vietnam Law Electronic Newspaper)
Besides its spiritual significance, this is also an occasion for visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil space, listening to the temple bells echoing amidst the mountains and forests. Additionally, visitors can explore, learn about the architecture and formation history of the temple, and deeply feel the cultural values preserved for centuries.
4.2. Visiting and Taking Photos at Xa Tac Temple
Not only sacred, Xa Tac Temple is also an ideal check-in spot thanks to its ancient and poetic scenery. The best time for photography is early morning when mist still lingers on the red tiled roofs, or late afternoon when the sunset reflects on the lake and temple roofs, creating a magical and enchanting scene. Popular beautiful photo spots include the majestic Tam Quan gate, the ancient altar, and the lotus pond in front of the main hall, evoking a pure and solemn beauty rarely found elsewhere.
4.3. Combining Visits to Nearby Attractions of Xa Tac Temple
After offering incense and visiting Xa Tac Temple, visitors can combine their trip with exploring other prominent destinations in Ha Long city such as 30/10 Square, Quang Ninh Museum, Sun World Ha Long, or Bai Chay Bridge,... A trip to Xa Tac Temple is not only a journey to a sacred place but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural beauty, history, and people of the mining region.
Combine fun and entertainment at Sun World Ha Long. (Source: Collected)
Ending the journey of discovery of the Temple of Xa Tac, visitors not only admire a spiritual work rich in historical value but also deeply feel the spirit of "drinking water, remembering the source" of the Vietnamese people. From the ancient architecture, sacred space to the vibrant colorful festivals, all create a vivid cultural picture, blending the past and the present. The Temple of Xa Tac is not only a place to entrust the faith and reverence of the people of Quang Ninh, but also a meaningful destination for those who want to return to their roots, listen to the breath of history, and feel the beauty of Vietnamese culture preserved through generations.
