Enduring the many trials of time, O Quan Chuong remains serenely nestled in the heart of the capital, serving as a vivid testimony to the existence of the majestic Thăng Long Imperial Citadel of old. Let's explore the unique features and historical significance of this landmark with BDATrip.
Built during the reign of King Le Hien Tong in 1749, O Quan Chuong is located to the east of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, about 80 meters from the ancient Red River wharf. Initially, O Quan Chuong was one of the five gates of Thang Long Citadel and is now the only one that remains, preserving historical and cultural imprints of a golden era. Originally named Dong Ha Mon, meaning the Eastern Ha Gate, it was named after the Dong Ha ward of the past.
Through many historical upheavals, O Quan Chuong has retained its original shape and architecture. It underwent two major restorations during the third and sixteenth years of King Gia Long's reign (1804 and 1817, respectively). This gate has witnessed and endured many changes and harshness over time. In the past, O Quan Chuong was a bustling trading hub for goods like straw mats and various products from the coastal regions of Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, and Thai Binh. People from these areas often used river routes to bring their goods to the citadel, creating a lively and prosperous scene.
The name O Quan Chuong is linked to the heroic deeds and sacrifice of the Chuong Co officer. He fought fiercely against the French until his last breath when they attacked Hanoi on November 20, 1873. According to historical records, after capturing Hanoi, the French colonialists destroyed most of the gates, bridges, and even the old Hanoi citadel to expand the city. However, thanks to the determined struggle of the people and Dong Xuan Cai Tong Dao Dang Chieu, O Quan Chuong was preserved and exists to this day.
Address: Intersection of Hang Chieu and Dao Duy Tu streets, north of Hoan Kiem Lake.
O Quan Chuong, peacefully located in the heart of Hanoi, is the only remaining gate today, evoking a golden and majestic era of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. It is not only an ancient architecture but also a historical symbol, a "silent witness" to the transformations through different phases of the capital. Built in the 18th century, this gate is not only marked by its ancient beauty but also as a place that holds memories and national spirit, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people through various historical periods. Its special location near Hoan Kiem Lake enhances its cultural and tourism value, attracting many visitors to explore the heroic past of Hanoi.
There are various ways to easily visit and explore O Quan Chuong. You can choose from different transportation options like motorcycles, cars, taxis, or buses depending on your preference and conditions.
Many tourists often choose motorcycles as their "companion" throughout their journey to explore Hanoi. For about 120,000 VND, you can rent a motorcycle to freely explore all corners of the capital. Motorcycles are the most suitable means as the streets of Hanoi are relatively crowded and narrow, making it convenient and quick to move around.
If you choose to ride a motorcycle to O Quan Chuong, you can refer to BDATrip's suggested route: from Cau Giay – Kim Ma – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Dien Bien Phu - Hang Khay – Tran Quang Khai – O Quan Chuong.
If you are not familiar with the streets or prefer to avoid the characteristic sweltering heat of Hanoi, taxis will be a great choice to make your trip easier and more convenient. Currently, Hanoi has many taxi companies in operation such as Mai Linh, Thang Long, Noi Bai, Sao Ha Noi, Van Xuan, and many others. You can call a taxi through the company's phone number or book a car through apps (depending on the company).
Additionally, Hanoi also has bus routes to O Quan Chuong. If you have plenty of time and want to experience the feeling of sitting on a bus while admiring the bustling streets of Hanoi before reaching your destination, the bus is a perfect choice. Traveling by bus not only helps you save costs but also provides an interesting experience of observing the daily life of the capital's residents.
Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that O Quan Chuong is one of the few tourist spots in Hanoi that has retained the architectural style of the feudal era. As a unique architectural work, O Quan Chuong was designed in the watchtower style with two floors, creating a vivid testament to the construction style of old times.
The lower part of O Quan Chuong has three archways. The central gate is 3 meters high and nearly 3 meters wide, creating a spacious and impressive entrance. The two side gates are each 1.65 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, providing balance and harmony to the overall structure. The upper floor of O Quan Chuong is a watchtower with four roofs featuring hexagonal, quadrilateral, or rosette patterns, creating a serene and solemn space.
The path leading to the watchtower is built on both sides of the outer side gates, making it easy to move to the upper floor. The entire gate is 20 meters wide and 7 meters long, built of large bricks and stones similar to those used to build the walls of the Temple of Literature – O Quan Chuong. Above the main gate are three Chinese characters "Dông Ha Mon" embossed with green porcelain pieces, creating a unique highlight that carries cultural and historical value. O Quan Chuong is not only an ancient architectural work but also a symbol of resilience and endurance through the ups and downs of time. Every architectural detail of O Quan Chuong contains a part of history, from decorative patterns to the arrangement of archways and watchtowers. The bricks and stones used to build O Quan Chuong have witnessed many transformations of Hanoi, from the feudal period to the modern era.
On the left wall of the main gate of O Quan Chuong is a stone stele about 0.8 meters high, inscribed with a prohibition against the guards from harassing or making it difficult for people passing through. This stele was placed by the order of Governor Hoang Dieu and Prefect Hoang Van Xung in 1881.
This stone stele is not only an important historical artifact but also a clear testament to the patriotic and benevolent heart of Governor Hoang Dieu towards the people. This prohibition shows the deep concern of the officials of that time for the lives and rights of the people, ensuring they could move and trade smoothly without any hindrance.
Governor Hoang Dieu, known for his loyalty and patriotism, along with Prefect Hoang Van Xung, demonstrated strictness in managing and protecting the people through this stele. This prohibition not only had administrative significance but also carried profound humanitarian values, reflecting the care of officials of that time for the daily lives of the people.
The stone stele with clear and durable inscriptions still exists today, reminding future generations of the fairness and kindness of the ancient officials. It is also an integral part of the architecture and history of O Quan Chuong, contributing to the special cultural and historical value of this work.
When visiting O Quan Chuong, tourists can stop to admire this stone stele and feel the Governor Hoang Dieu's love for the people. This is a special highlight, helping viewers understand more about the historical context and humanitarian value that O Quan Chuong brings. The stone stele is not only a historical witness but also a symbol of justice and benevolence, affirming the existence of an era where the rights of the people were protected and respected.
In your journey to explore O Quan Chuong, you can flexibly combine visits to many nearby famous sites for a complete and enjoyable experience. Some must-visit destinations include Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ma May Ancient House, Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi Walking Street, and the Hanoi Opera House.
Đồng Xuân Market is one of the largest and most famous markets in Hanoi, where you can find everything from clothes, shoes, to handicrafts and local specialties. This is an ideal destination for buying unique Hanoi souvenirs. You can also visit famous streets like Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Bac, where many shops sell handicrafts, watches, silver jewelry, and Hanoi's specialty pickles.
If you want to shop, choose the afternoon to comfortably browse and bargain. The morning is usually when shops are just opening, and merely inquiring without buying might upset the sellers. This is a small but important tip for a pleasant shopping experience.
Besides shopping, you can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Bach Ma Temple - one of the oldest temples in Hanoi, or explore Ma May Ancient House to learn about the architecture and lifestyle of old Hanoi residents. Hanoi Walking Street and the Hanoi Opera House are also attractive destinations with various rich cultural and artistic activities.
Combining visits to nearby sites with O Quan Chuong will give you a comprehensive view of Hanoi's culture and history, making your trip more enriching and memorable. Each destination has its own stories and values, contributing to the overall picture of a modern yet traditionally rich Hanoi.
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