Chu Van An: A Life Dedicated to Education
Chu Van An (1292-1370), also known by his pen name Tieu An, was born in Quang Liet village, Thanh Tri district (now Hanoi). Despite passing the doctoral examination, he chose not to become a mandarin but instead opened a school to teach. His reputation as an outstanding educator reached King Tran Minh Tong, who invited him to serve as the Principal (Tu nghiep) of the Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first national university.
The Famous 'Seven Beheadings Memorial'
During the reign of King Tran Du Tong, corrupt officials gained power and the court fell into decline. In a bold move demonstrating his integrity, Chu Van An submitted the "That Tram So" (Seven Beheadings Memorial), requesting the king to execute seven treacherous mandarins. The king rejected his request. Disillusioned, Chu Van An resigned and retreated to Chi Linh (Hai Duong province), where he lived a simple life teaching, writing books, and studying traditional medicine until his death in 1370.
Honored as 'Teacher of Ten Thousand Generations'
Chu Van An is one of the few scholars in Vietnamese history honored at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) in Hanoi. His career and merits are recorded on the stone stele there, symbolizing the nation's deep respect for education. He was posthumously given the title "Van The Su Bieu" (Eternal Teacher of All Generations).
The Temple Complex on Phoenix Mountain
Located on Phoenix Mountain in Van An ward, Chi Linh city, Hai Duong province, the temple complex honors the place where Chu Van An spent his final years teaching. Designated a national historical site in 2008, it includes three main areas: the temple, his tomb, and Luu Quang Hall where he once taught.
Architecture and Key Structures
The temple, built in Nguyen dynasty style with a "Nhi" character layout and two-tiered eight-roof design, sits on high sacred ground. Visitors climb over 100 stone steps to reach it. The steps bear four Chinese characters: "Van The Su Bieu" (Teacher for Ten Thousand Generations).
In 2004, Hai Duong province began a major restoration of the complex. Key structures including the main temple, tombs, Luu Quang Hall, pen tower, Son well, and Miet Tri pond were harmoniously integrated, blending traditional cultural identity with modern aesthetics. The project was inaugurated on January 4, 2008, marking 637 years since his passing.
The Tomb and Spiritual Legends
About 600 meters from the temple lies Chu Van An's tomb. Legend holds that its location marks the head of the phoenix bird, symbolizing the pinnacle of justice and virtue. A small well sits 50 meters west of the tomb; visitors often drink from it, believing the sacred mountain spirit will bring them wisdom and good fortune.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, the temple on Phoenix Mountain serves as both a spiritual destination and an educational heritage site. Every Lunar New Year, thousands of visitors come to request calligraphy and pray for academic success. Chu Van An's legacy of integrity, simplicity, and devotion to teaching continues to inspire generations of educators and students across Vietnam.
