KHUE VAN PAVILION

The second courtyard is known as the Thanh Dat Area. This area is also arranged with three pathways leading inward. The central pathway connects Dai Trung Gate with Khue Van Pavilion, while the two smaller side paths lead respectively to Bi Van Gate ("Refined and Illuminated Literature") and Suc Van Gate ("Profound and Concise Literature").

In 1805, Nguyen Van Thanh, Governor-General of Bac Thanh, ordered the construction of Khue Van Pavilion at Van Mieu in Hanoi. The pavilion is noted for its symmetrical, elegant, and graceful architecture.

Khue Van Pavilion stands upon a square brick platform paved with traditional Bat Trang tiles. Its architectural style is distinctive: the lower level consists of four brick pillars with open space on all sides, while the upper level is a wooden structure topped with a two-tiered roof covered in cylindrical tiles. The four corners of the roof are decorated with terracotta ornaments. Along the four sides are finely carved wooden friezes and surrounding balustrades.

On the upper floor are four circular windows, each surrounded by slender wooden balusters radiating outward like rays of light, symbolizing the brilliance of the Khue Star.

The "Khue Star" is considered the brightest constellation among the twenty-eight traditional constellations of Eastern astronomy. The constellation consists of sixteen stars arranged in a form resembling the Chinese character Van (文), meaning literature or culture. In ancient belief, the Khue Star was regarded as the celestial symbol governing literature and scholarship. Therefore, Khue Van Pavilion became the symbol of Vietnamese civilization, learning, and cultural refinement.

Inside the pavilion hangs a large lacquered board inscribed with the three Chinese characters "Khue Van Cac" ("Pavilion of the Khue Constellation"). Around the pavilion are parallel sentences praising the beauty of Khue Van Pavilion and the brilliance of the Khue Star:

1. "In prosperous times, culture and scholarship flourish; The splendid pavilion preserves the beauty of learning."
2. "A treasury of books unites the wisdom of the sages; A land of rites and righteousness preserves a thousand years of civilization."
3. "The bright Khue Star illuminates the spirit of humanity; The emerald waters of spring nurture the enduring tradition of learning."
4. "The Northern Dipper shines upon the citadel with auspicious energy; The autumn moon reflects upon the ancient heart."

As the Khue Star symbolizes literature, knowledge, and cultural beauty, Khue Van Pavilion has today become the emblem of Hanoi — the capital city renowned for its thousand years of civilization and learning.