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Prompt: Exploring a Scenic Spot in Hanoi
I. Introduction
1. Opening
2. Body
3. Conclusion
II. Sample Article
Exposition about a Scenic Landmark in Hanoi
I. Outline Exploring a Scenic Spot in Hanoi
1. Introduction
- Introduction to the scenic landmark of Hoan Kiem Lake.
2. Body
a. Hoan Kiem Lake:
- Also known as Lake of the Returned Sword, Green Water Lake, Military Water Lake, historically named Tả Vọng Lake, Hữu Vọng Lake.
- Located in Hoan Kiem District, with a surface area of approximately 12 hectares, it is a freshwater lake, with an average depth of 1-1.4 meters, maximum length of 700 meters, maximum width of 250 meters, and a circumference of about 1750 meters.
- It is a large tributary of the Red River.
- In ancient legends, Hoan Kiem Lake is associated with the story of King Le Loi returning the magic sword to the divine turtle.
b. Architectural Works Associated with Hoan Kiem Lake:
* Turtle Tower:
- Built on a small mound rising in the middle of the clear lake.
- Turtle Tower was constructed in the French architectural style, commenced in 1884 and completed in 1886, consisting of four tower levels, with the third level inscribed with the words 'Quy Son tower', and the fourth level resembling an octagonal pavilion.
* Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge:
- Located to the North of Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Formerly known as Elephant Ear, it was renamed Ngoc Tuong Temple during the Ly Dynasty and later changed to Ngoc Son Temple during the Tran Dynasty.
- Used to worship Van Xuong deity and Grand Prince Tran Quoc Tuan.
- The overall architecture of this complex harmoniously combines Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
- Adjacent to Ngoc Son Temple is the famous The Huc Bridge with its curved shape resembling a shrimp and its bright red color leading to the temple. The name The Huc Bridge symbolizes the beautiful meaning of 'where the sunlight docks in the early morning'.
* Pen Tower and Stele Pavilion;
- Built in 1865, this is a unique architectural work with significant symbolic meaning, promoting and emphasizing the importance of scholarly pursuits.
- Pen Tower stands at 28 meters tall, consisting of five floors, with a pen-shaped top pointing towards the sky, and the tower body inscribed with large red Chinese characters 'Ta Thanh Thien' (writing on the blue sky), also featuring an engraved poem by Nguyen Van Sieu.
- Stele Pavilion, resembling a large inkwell, carved from a large green stone resembling a peach, then placed atop three stone turtles. The front of the stele is inscribed with a poem of 64 Chinese characters by Nguyen Van Sieu, while the back features two couplets taken from the legends of To Dong Pha and Trang Tu.
* Other Architectural Structures:
- Hoa Phong Tower, Ba Kieu Temple (dedicated to three goddesses: Princess Lieu Hanh, Second Princess Ngoc Nu, and Third Princess Ngoc Nu), Thuy Ta Pavilion, King Le's Temple, Statue of King Ly Thai To, and the flower garden,...
3. Conclusion
Express impressions.
Tips Tips for writing an excellent exposition
II. Sample Essay Exploring a Scenic Spot in Hanoi
If anyone has ever returned to the thousand-year-old land of cultural heritage, the imperial capital of many dynasties - Hanoi, then perhaps they have also strolled by Hoan Kiem Lake, admired the venerable Turtle Tower, or the vermilion The Huc Bridge, wondering if it is as curved as a shrimp as described in textbooks, or glanced at the Pen Tower and the Stele Pavilion, symbols of the ancient educational system of the nation. Or, if one has never visited Hanoi, they may have heard of the legend of Le Loi returning the sword to the divine turtle at Hoan Kiem Lake, closely linked to the nation's history of resisting foreign invaders. Saying so makes it clear that Hoan Kiem Lake seems to be a cluster of relics, familiar landscapes that have become part of the capital's life, as well as the subconscious of our Vietnamese people for generations. It not only carries landscape value but also deeply rooted historical and cultural significance.
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword (according to the legend of Le Loi returning the precious sword to the divine turtle), or because of its deep blue water, it is called Luc Thuy Lake. It was also used for military parades in the past, so it was called Thuy Quan Lake. Moreover, during the Le dynasty, it was also known as Ta Vong Lake and Huu Vong Lake. Currently, the lake belongs to Hoan Kiem District, with a surface area of about 12 hectares, being the only natural freshwater lake in the district. With an average depth of 1-1.4 meters, a maximum length of 700 meters, and a maximum width of 250 meters, its circumference is about 1750 meters. In terms of its formation history, Hoan Kiem Lake was originally a large tributary of the Red River, which used to flow into the main branch of the river. However, over time, due to centuries of human intervention, the water level gradually decreased, the riverbed was raised, creating the land surrounding this branch of the river. Eventually, the deepest part became Hoan Kiem Lake, gradually attracting population settlement and development around the lake, creating the scenery we see today. In fact, in history, Hoan Kiem Lake used to have an area nearly twice as large as it is today. The Trinh lords divided it into two parts, naming them Ta Vong Lake and Huu Vong Lake, with Huu Vong Lake being used for military parades and naval training. Later, during the French colonial period, they filled Huu Vong Lake to serve the construction of other projects, so only Ta Vong Lake remains, which is the present-day Hoan Kiem Lake that we see. In ancient legends, there is a story related to Le Loi's victory over the invading Ming army. It is recounted that during the days of building the army, Le Loi was lent a sword with a hilt adorned with pearls by the Dragon King, helping to defeat the foreign invaders. After Le Loi ascended to the throne, once while riding a dragon boat to admire the scenery on this lake, a Golden Turtle suddenly emerged and spoke in human language, asking the king to return the sword. The king remembered the past and then took off the sword and returned it. The turtle took the sword and disappeared, hence the lake is named Hoan Kiem Lake or Sword Lake.
Accompanying Hoan Kiem Lake is a series of ancient historical relics closely associated with the name of the lake and the capital of Hanoi. First and foremost is the most impressive and visible, the Turtle Tower, built on a small mound rising in the middle of the clear blue lake, bringing a sense of independence and tranquility. Besides, the ancient moss-covered corners of the tower also evoke nostalgic memories of bygone days when the stately tower witnessed centuries of history. The Turtle Tower was built in a simple style following French architecture, commenced in 1884 and completed in 1886, consisting of four floors, with the first two lower floors being larger and arranged with four arched doors, and the upper two floors smaller, the third floor inscribed with the words 'Quy Son Tower,' and the fourth floor resembling a pavilion. Originally, the top of the tower also had a statue of a lady with an open skirt, but for some reason it was lost or destroyed due to war. This place was once the burial site of the wife of a French general, suggesting that the deceased wife loved the scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the husband devotedly indulged his wife, perhaps they had a beautiful love story.
Secondly, another highlight is the complex of Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge, located to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple, formerly known as Tuong Nhi (ivory statue), was renamed Ngoc Tuong by King Ly Thai To, then changed to Ngoc Son in the Tran dynasty, and has been maintained to this day. The temple was originally used to worship Van Xuong deity, in charge of overseeing the education and imperial examinations of the common people, later also worshipped Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan. The overall architectural structure of this construction harmoniously combines Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Adjacent to Ngoc Son Temple is the famous The Huc Bridge with its curved shape resembling a 'shrimp' and its bright red color leading to the temple. The reflection of the bridge on the clear water surface has created a marvelous and harmonious picture, pleasing visitors. The name The Huc Bridge symbolizes 'a place where the sunlight docks early in the morning.'
Near Ngoc Son Temple in the northeast direction, perhaps to supplement the shrine of Van Xuong deity, people erected the Pen Tower and the Stele Pavilion, built in 1865. This is a unique architectural work, with a large symbolic significance, promoting and emphasizing the importance of studying and writing. The Pen Tower is 28 meters high, consisting of five floors, with the top of the tower having a pen-shaped tip pointing towards the sky, the tower's body inscribed with large Chinese characters 'Ta Thanh Thien' (written on the blue sky) in red, also engraved with a famous essay by Nguyen Van Sieu. The entire tower is built on a rocky hill, called Doc Ton. Associated with the Pen Tower is the Stele Pavilion, resembling a large inkwell, corresponding to the Pen Tower, carved from a large blue stone with the shape of a peach, then placed on three stone turtles, also made of stone. On the front side of the stele is inscribed an essay by Nguyen Van Sieu, profound and meaningful, while on the back side, two lines of couplets are carved from historical records of To Dong Pha and Trang Tu, imbued with Daoist philosophy.
