Top 10 Famous Landmarks in Xuan Truong - Nam Dinh

Bui Chu Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Xuan Ngoc commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province. It serves as the cathedral of the Bui Chu Diocese and is the final resting place of five bishops who once oversaw the diocese. One of the oldest cathedrals in northern Vietnam, Bui Chu Cathedral's history is comparable to that of Saigon's Notre-Dame Cathedral (built in 1880) and Hanoi's St. Joseph's Cathedral (built in 1886). This cathedral holds historical significance in the spread of Christianity and the cultural fusion of East and West in the Red River Delta, making it a site of exceptional historical, cultural, and architectural value.

Bui Chu Cathedral was built in the Baroque architectural style during the French colonial era, designed by Spanish Bishop Wenceslao Onate Thuận in 1884. The cathedral is 78 meters long, 22 meters wide, and 15 meters high, with two bell towers reaching 35 meters in height. The cathedral houses an ancient clock, custom-made in France in 1922. This clock mechanism, measuring 1.2m by 0.7m, operates on potential energy and uses three metal weights, each weighing around 50 kg.

After more than 100 years, this cathedral remains standing strong with its ironwood columns and intricate Western-style architectural details. Every year on August 8th, the feast day of the diocese's patron saint, many parishioners gather for Mass. In 2019, the Bui Chu Diocese announced plans to dismantle the cathedral for reconstruction. On February 4th, 2020, the diocese began the dismantling process to build a new cathedral similar in design to the old one.

Xuan Bang Temple, located in Xuan Truong town, is a historical site dedicated to General Ngo Mien, who led the people and clans to clear land and establish settlements here. General Ngo Mien was born into a wealthy family in Mai village, Xuan Phuong commune, Kim Hoa district, Kinh Bac region in 1371 during the reign of Emperor Tran Nghe Tong.

Xuan Bang Temple also honors the brothers Do Than Doan and Do Nhan Tang, distant descendants of General Ngo Mien, who served as officials under the reigns of Kings Le Hy Tong and Le Du Tong. The temple was built in 1869 during the 22nd year of Emperor Tu Duc's reign on a spacious plot of land far from residential areas. The temple complex consists of a large main temple surrounded by smaller supporting structures such as a watchman's house, a peaceful shelter, a stele house, an orphanage, and a scholarly house. The entire complex is enclosed by a well-planned wall and garden. The spaces between buildings are separated by water gutters supported by long beams and 8 square stone pillars, each 2.2 meters tall and 0.5 meters wide, arranged in two rows. On each pillar, beam, and stone platform, artisans of the past carved various motifs such as the Four Sacred Animals, the Four Treasures, chrysanthemums, and long-lived pine trees, as well as village bamboo groves, landscapes, and folk animal figures like ducks, squirrels, deer, and flowers—all deeply carved, with intricate, vivid details. The middle hall, situated behind the main hall, is smaller and lower, featuring six stone columns and six beams, with a roof tiled in southern-style ceramic tiles. However, the dimensions of the stone components in the middle hall are reduced compared to those in the main hall.

The main sanctum consists of three bays and is a double-storey structure with eight roofs, standing 10 meters high. The ancient building has three semi-circular arched doors, with the roof ridge adorned with floral motifs symbolizing the harmony of the wind. The curved eaves create a soft balance, imparting a solemn and serene atmosphere to the worship area. Inside the sanctum, there are incense altars, tablets, and the throne for General Ngo Mien and his wife. Additionally, there are tablets dedicated to Do Than Doan and Do Nhan Tang, who continued the pioneering efforts of General Ngo Mien to build the homeland. Xuan Bang Temple symbolizes the roots of the community and the spirit of unity and resilience against foreign invaders by the people of Xuan Bang, both past and present. With its historical and architectural significance in this coastal rural area, Xuan Bang Temple attracts more visitors every year for its festivals and to explore the rich history and people of Xuan Bang, Xuan Truong district.

Tho Vuc Temple and Pagoda, located in Xuan Phong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province, is a national historical and architectural relic, recognized as a cultural heritage site under Decision No. 65-VH/QD on January 16, 1995. The Tho Vuc Temple and Pagoda not only hold great cultural, spiritual, and architectural value, but also carry significant historical meaning. During the pre-revolutionary period, the temple and pagoda served as a gathering place and refuge for Communist organizations during the anti-French resistance. Over time, the temple and pagoda have remained sacred religious sites, meticulously preserved by the local community.

Tho Vuc Temple was built long ago to honor five deities: Two local village gods, the Nam Hai Dai Vuong (Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong, the 18th ruler), the saintess Tran Thai Chuong, and the general Dong Hai. In local folk beliefs, these figures are revered for their efforts in protecting the people from calamities, establishing order, and ensuring prosperity. The temple has undergone several restorations, the most significant of which occurred in 1848 during the reign of Emperor Tu Duc, when it was rebuilt with precious wood and tiled with southern roof tiles. In 1924, the temple was reconstructed again with larger dimensions using brick, tile, and concrete, designed and constructed by architect Han Hiet.

The Tho Vuc Pagoda was completed in March 1724 during the Bao Thai era. At the beginning of the 20th century, Venerable Thich Tam Tin led efforts to raise funds to build a more spacious and sturdy pagoda, as seen today. The pagoda's three-tiered gate was destroyed in a storm on June 24, 1929, but Venerable Thich Tam Tin oversaw its reconstruction. The Tho Vuc Temple and Pagoda is a traditional architectural ensemble, with ancient motifs, inscriptions, couplets, and relief sculptures. Notably, it preserves a significant collection of religious artifacts, including statues and ritual objects made from wood, bronze, and cast iron—rare and valuable relics that few places have managed to retain.

Xuan Hy Temple, also known as Lower Temple, is located at the end of Xuan Hy village in Xuan Thuy commune, Xuan Truong district. The temple was established to honor Đại Đức- Ngô Miễn, a great leader who played a significant role in the land reclamation and settlement of the coastal region. Ngô Miễn, born in the year Tân Hợi during the reign of King Trần Nghệ Tông (1371), came from Mai village in Xuân Phương, Kinh Bắc, now known as Phúc Thắng, Phúc Yên. Known for his intelligence and charm, Ngô Miễn was also humble despite coming from a wealthy family. He passed the imperial examination at the age of 20 during the reign of King Trần Thuận Tông (1388–1398), but chose not to pursue a government career due to the declining state of the Trần Dynasty. Instead, he returned to his hometown to teach, later traveling to the coastal areas of Sơn Nam in Thiên Trường. There, he noticed fertile lands that had yet to be cultivated. He petitioned the court to relocate ten noble families from his homeland, including the Ngô, Đỗ, Trần, Hoàng, Nguyễn, Phạm, Vũ, Đinh, Đào, and Tạ families, to establish a new settlement in Thiên Trường. Under Ngô Miễn's leadership, these families fought against the sea, cleared marshes, built dikes, and provided fresh water for farming. Between 1392 and 1396, they successfully reclaimed over 200 hectares of land, establishing the new settlement of “Tân ấp,” which was later renamed “Nhật Hy” in 1721.

Xuan Hy Temple is situated on a large plot of land at the village's edge, surrounded by rice fields. In front of the temple, there is a large rectangular pond, bordered by ancient longan trees. The main structure of the temple consists of four sections: a front hall, a middle hall, and a rear sanctuary. The temple has undergone several restorations over time but retains much of its ancient charm and the architectural style of the Nguyễn Dynasty. The people of Thi village celebrate their local festival on the 21st day of the eighth lunar month, marking the anniversary of Ngô Miễn's settlement foundation.

The festival lasts for three days: the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of the eighth lunar month. During the festival, various traditional games are held, such as the “fire-making rice-cooking contest” and “swimming races around the village,” drawing participants from neighboring communities.

Xuan Trung Pagoda, also known by its formal name Linh Quang Pagoda, is located in Xuan Bac commune, Xuan Truong district. According to historical records in the "Trà Lũ Village Chronicle" by Confucian scholar Lê Văn Nhưng, compiled during the first year of King Khải Định's reign (1916), Xuan Trung Pagoda was founded in 1720 during the reign of King Lê Dụ Tông. The temple's initial construction was credited to Đào Công Canh, a native of Nguyệt Giám village, Minh Tân commune, Kiến Xương district, Thái Bình province. The original structure was modest, with thatched roofs and earth walls. In 1785, the pagoda was rebuilt more sturdily, and by the second year of King Gia Long’s reign (1803), it had expanded into a grand complex with over 80 rooms. A stone inscription from the 33rd year of King Tự Đức's reign (1880) praises the beauty of the pagoda, describing it as a scenic spot that attracts people from all over.

Over time, Xuan Trung Pagoda has been preserved and renovated by local authorities, monks, and the community. Today, it not only serves as a Buddhist temple but also houses a shrine to the Zen master Nguyễn Minh Không (1076-1141) from the Lý Dynasty. Nguyễn Minh Không, born Nguyễn Chí Thành in Đàm Xá, was renowned for his scholarly abilities and expertise in esoteric practices, such as flying through the air, walking on water, and commanding mystical powers.

According to legend, King Lý Thần Tông suffered from a strange illness, leading to erratic behavior and a tiger-like roar. After numerous failed treatments, the Queen Mother invited Zen master Không Lộ to court, where he cured the king using his mystical powers. The king honored him by granting the title of National Teacher and offering wealth and privileges. The architectural design of Xuan Trung Pagoda follows the traditional "internal character Đinh, external character Quốc" style, facing west on a plot of land measuring 6125 m².

The pagoda complex includes various sections and retains many architectural elements from the post-Lê period, particularly the 17th and 18th centuries. The main entrance features a two-tiered, four-roofed gate, built in the "village gate" style, flanked by bell and stone-pillar pavilions. Beyond the gate is a spacious courtyard with red brick flooring leading to the main hall. The pagoda's construction includes a five-bay front hall (13 meters long, 8.7 meters wide) and a five-bay main hall (12 meters long, 5.3 meters wide), with wooden beams crafted in the traditional "gía chiêng" style.

This distinctive architectural style from the post-Lê period remains well-preserved in the structure. In addition to the main pagoda, there are shrines dedicated to Zen master Nguyễn Minh Không, the deity Mẫu Liễu Hạnh, a family shrine, and various auxiliary buildings such as guest rooms and monk quarters, forming a well-integrated and harmonious complex. Due to its historical and architectural significance, Xuan Trung Pagoda has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National Historical and Architectural Relic.

Nghia Xa Pagoda, also known as Viên Quang Pagoda, is a monumental site that spans about 500 square meters. The pagoda has undergone multiple relocations and renovations, but traces of the post-Le architectural style still strongly influence its design and carvings, including the two large doors of the front hall, several lotus-petal stone bases around the stupa, and a rare stone tablet from the Lý Dynasty, dated 1122. Additionally, the pagoda houses three Bát Cống palanquins, incense tables, and intricately carved wooden pieces from the post-Le period, which are significant from an artistic perspective. Nghia Xa Pagoda is also renowned for its beautiful scenery.

Nghia Xa Pagoda now honors both the Buddha and several important historical figures. In its earlier years, the pagoda was also dedicated to Zen master Tuệ Tĩnh. According to locals, prior to 1949, the pagoda housed many statues of Buddha, which were sadly destroyed during the French colonial invasion. Today, the front hall contains statues of the Bodhisattva Puxian and General Quan Công, while the main hall houses four statues of Avalokitesvara and one of Amitābha in meditation. Above the main hall, three statues representing the Three Worlds are enshrined. To the right of the main hall, there is a tablet honoring King Lý Thần Tông, and next to it, a tablet dedicated to the esteemed Lục Thượng Thái Sư. The left side of the hall features a tablet for Zen master Giác Hải, with another tablet for Nguyễn Minh Không in the adjacent room. Behind the main hall is a structure with four rooms, utilizing the space under the main hall’s roof, where four statues correspond to those honored by the tablets outside.

During the French colonization in the mid-20th century, many important events took place at Nghia Xa Pagoda. In 1946, when the French returned to invade Vietnam, the pagoda became a resting and training place for local militia. During this time, the monk Nguyễn Thanh Tác, who served as the pagoda’s abbot, abandoned his robes to join the national resistance against the French colonizers.

From 1947 to 1948, Nghia Xa Pagoda served as a key site for the Viet Minh's activities in Nam Định. It hosted large rallies, including one with participants from the southern districts of Xuân Trường, Giao Thủy, and Hải Hậu. On May 1st, 1950, to commemorate International Workers' Day, the Viet Minh raised the Party flag at the pagoda's bell tower, even though the area was still under temporary enemy occupation. Nghia Xa Pagoda (Viên Quang) stands as one of the province's most valuable cultural and historical landmarks.

Each year, on the 1st of March in the lunar calendar, the local government and people of Xuân Ninh organize a traditional festival to honor the historical and cultural significance of the site. This event not only celebrates the importance of the monument but also fosters a sense of pride among the community, encouraging the residents and visitors to contribute to the upkeep and beautification of the pagoda, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

An Cu Temple is located in Xuân Vinh commune, Xuân Trường district, Nam Định province. The temple was built by local people to commemorate the groundbreaking work of Phúc Diễn, a visionary leader who initiated land reclamation and coastal embankment in the late 14th century. According to the historical records preserved at the site, Phúc Diễn came from the Vũ Hồn lineage, originally from Mộ Trạch, Hải Dương. He was the son of Phúc Điền, the founder of Bình Cư, now known as Xuân Ngọc in Xuân Trường district. A learned and intelligent man, Phúc Diễn realized that Bình Cư could not prosper and decided to expand southward to reclaim land from the sea. Over many years, with Phúc Diễn's leadership and the efforts of the community, a large area of land was successfully developed. The new land was named An Cu, meaning stable living, as a tribute to Phúc Diễn's efforts. After his death, he was honored as the "Founder of the Land" and is worshiped as a deity in the temple. Today, an inscription at the temple commemorates his legacy: 'In the sacred land, the grand palace rises, with ceremonies and music flourishing throughout the ages. An Cu’s temple thrives, bringing prosperity to the land and people.'

The current structure of An Cu Temple faces southeast and features a symmetrical layout with multiple sections. In front of the temple stands a ceremonial gateway with three entrances, the central gate flanked by two pillars over seven meters tall, and two side gates built in a traditional eight-roof style. The temple’s main structure consists of three parts: the front hall, the central hall, and the inner sanctuary. The front hall is five bays wide, with all structural components—including beams, rafters, and columns—constructed from durable ironwood. The roof is supported by strong brick columns and walls. In the center of the front hall, there is a carved archway with the inscription 'Khai cơ tổ' (Founder of the Land).

Next is the central hall, which is seamlessly connected to the front hall. Its roof is designed in a vaulted style, covered with traditional southern tiles. In the center of the hall hangs a gilded wooden archway with intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, tortoises, and flowers, reflecting the artistic style of the Nguyễn Dynasty. The An Cu Festival is an important cultural event, with religious ceremonies, processions, and various traditional games such as wrestling, boat racing, chess, and card games. The wrestling and boat races are the highlights of the festival and are held every year. These activities help the villagers stay physically fit and encourage hard work in agriculture. An Cu’s wrestling competition has gained a reputation far and wide, attracting participants from regions like Bắc Ninh, Thanh Hóa, Hà Tây, and Hải Phòng. The village’s wrestling pit is famous for the unique 'đánh gồng' technique, a dangerous move that is exclusively practiced in An Cu.

During the Nguyễn Dynasty, a wrestler from An Cu, named Kình, gained fame for using the 'đánh gồng' technique to win numerous matches in Thanh Hóa, eventually earning the title of champion. This tradition continues today, with over 30 wrestlers in the village, particularly from Xóm 4 and Xóm 16, who have contributed to the sports scene in Nam Định province. The An Cu Temple Festival not only celebrates the cultural heritage of the village but also promotes traditional values and encourages the community to engage in productive labor. The festival is sure to continue attracting attention from people near and far, ensuring that the temple’s significance is preserved for generations to come.

The memorial house of the late General Secretary Trường Chinh is located in Hành Thiện village, Xuân Hồng commune, Xuân Trường district. General Secretary Trường Chinh was a distinguished disciple of the great President Hồ Chí Minh and a beloved son of Nam Định province. His real name was Đặng Xuân Khu, born on February 9, 1907, into a family with a rich tradition of scholarship. His grandfather, Tiến sĩ Đặng Xuân Bảng, was a patriotic scholar, and his father, Đặng Xuân Viện, was a man of high academic standing who had a passion for research.

The Memorial House of Former General Secretary Trường Chinh was originally built by his grandfather in 1902 during the 4th year of the Thành Thái reign (Year of the Tiger) to accommodate his son, Đặng Xuân Viện. General Secretary Trường Chinh, the eldest son of Đặng Xuân Viện, was born and raised in this house, where he also established his own family. This memorial house holds great historical significance, serving as the backdrop for many key events in the local history and for the revolutionary activities of Trường Chinh, which spanned from 1928 to the nine-year war against French colonialism (1945-1954). During the resistance, the house even became a printing press for revolutionary materials and publications. It also served as a safe haven for Trường Chinh when he returned to direct the local revolutionary movement.

The house is constructed from durable ironwood, facing south, and sits on a 531m² plot of land. It consists of five rooms, with the traditional roof design using upper and lower beams with a tile-covered roof. The walls of the house are made from brick. The two rooms on the eastern and western sides are separated by partition walls, while the three central rooms are for guests. The original partition walls were raised, but in 1944, they were replaced with sliding doors and lowered thresholds to create a more spacious interior. In front of the house, there is a flower wall, a brick courtyard, and a small pond near the road. The pond is surrounded by perennial trees, and the path is lined with neatly trimmed bamboo fences and a traditional brick gate.

After the passing of General Secretary Trường Chinh, a leading revolutionary figure and intellectual of Vietnam, and a devoted disciple of President Hồ Chí Minh, the Communist Party and the people of Nam Định have worked to preserve and enhance the memorial site. The house has undergone continuous restoration, and now the Memorial House of Former General Secretary Trường Chinh includes several key areas: the memorial house (the house of worship), a guest house, and a thatched house, all arranged in a traditional layout with gardens, perennial trees, and a small pond enclosed by brick walls and bamboo fences, reflecting a traditional architectural style.

Keo Hành Thiện Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located in Hành Thiện village, Xuân Hồng commune, Xuân Trường district, Nam Định province. This pagoda, nearly 400 years old, is one of the most well-preserved temples in Vietnam, and its architectural style significantly influenced the famous Keo Pagoda in Thái Bình. The pagoda is situated in front of a serene crescent-shaped pond, reflecting the tranquil environment. The complex is a vast assembly of 13 buildings with 121 interconnected rooms, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional architecture with a five-bay main gate in the interlocking beam style, standing at 7.5 meters tall. Besides its architectural beauty, the pagoda also houses numerous invaluable relics dating back to the 17th century during the Later Lê Dynasty, such as ancient altars, prayer tables, statues, bells, ancient steles, hanging boards, couplets, and Chinese-language books detailing the history of the pagoda. The pagoda attracts visitors year-round, offering a peaceful place for both sightseeing and spiritual reflection.

In front of the main gate, a crescent-shaped pond and a stone mountain sculpted to represent three peaks in the form of a dragon facing a tiger can be seen. On the shore, two giant stone elephants stand proudly, while the entire area is surrounded by ancient trees that have withstood centuries. The bell tower at the entrance of the pagoda is a five-bay structure, built in the interlocking beam style, standing 7.5 meters tall, supported by eight main pillars and sixteen smaller ones, resting on stone slabs with intricate floral carvings reflecting the artistic style of the Later Lê period. Beyond the bell tower lies the central area, including the main hall with five bays, the secondary hall with three bays, and the inner hall, which is dedicated to the worship of Buddha and Zen Master Không Lộ.

Each year, two major festivals are held at Keo Hành Thiện Pagoda. The Spring Festival, held during the Lunar New Year, features various traditional games such as duck catching, firecracker throwing, rice cooking contests, and folk performances. The September Festival, held on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the month, celebrates the birthday of Zen Master Không Lộ. This festival not only includes religious ceremonies but also serves as a gathering for cultural activities and spiritual practices. During the festival, people from across the country, both from the north and the south, converge on the pagoda: "Even if my father scolds me and my mother forbids me, I will not miss the Keo Pagoda festival on the full moon night."

The most unique event during the festival is the traditional boat race, called "bơi trải" (flat boat racing). Fifteen villages participate in the race, each with a team of ten rowers, including one helmsman. Unlike other places, participants stand while rowing instead of sitting. The race starts in the village river, covering a distance of 5-6 kilometers, and then proceeds to the Ninh Cơ River, a branch of the Red River, where they complete 3-5 laps before returning to the starting point. The team that finishes first wins the race. Each race lasts between to 4 hours. This ancient and exciting event is a fantastic tradition that deserves recognition and preservation in the nation's history. Every year, the pagoda welcomes many visitors, who come not only to admire the temple but also to visit the Memorial House of Trường Chinh, a distinguished revolutionary and native son of Hành Thiện.

Phú Nhai Church is located in the center of Xuân Phương commune, Xuân Trường district, Nam Định province, just over 1 km from the town of Xuân Trường. It is one of the largest churches in Vietnam. The original Phú Nhai Church was constructed with wood and thatch by Father Emmanuel Rianô Hòa in 1866, shortly after Emperor Tự Đức issued a decree allowing religious freedom, ending nearly three centuries of Christian persecution in Vietnam.

In 1881, Bishop Hòa and Father Barquerô Ninh built a second church in the East Asian architectural style, complete with two bell towers. By 1916, under Bishop Phêrô Munagôri Trung and Father Morênô, the third church was built in the Gothic style, completed in 1922. However, it was severely damaged by a major storm on June 24, 1929. In 1930, to raise funds for reconstruction, a national lottery was held. After many historical upheavals, the church was rebuilt and consecrated on December 8, 1933, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In November 1949, during the French colonial occupation, the church was used as a strategic post by the occupying forces. The towers became an observation point, and the corridors served as offices and detention areas for revolutionary leaders. After the war, the church underwent further restoration work under Bishop Đa Minh Nguyễn Chu Trinh, which began in March 2003 and was completed by September 2004, giving it its present appearance.

The original church featured Gothic architecture heavily influenced by Spanish design, while the rebuilt structure adopted French Gothic style. The church measures 80 meters in length, 27 meters in width, and 30 meters in height. Its two bell towers rise to 44 meters and house four bells imported from France, weighing 2,000 kg, 1,200 kg, 600 kg, and 100 kg, respectively. On the church's facade, a 17-meter statue of Saint Dominic stands to the right, with the statue itself being 2.3 meters tall. To the left, a 15-meter-high mausoleum holds the remains of 83 martyrs from Phú Nhai. Around the church, relief sculptures depict the 14 Stations of the Cross. Visitors who climb to the top of Phú Nhai Church's tower are rewarded with a panoramic view of Xuân Trường district. In 2008, Phú Nhai Church was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica.