1. Overview of Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong
1.1. Prime Location atop Long Son Mountain Do Son
Located in Do Son ward, Do Son district (Hai Phong), situated on top of Long Son mountain, Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong stands majestically at the highest peak in the Cuu Long range, with an altitude of 126 m above sea level. This location offers a panoramic view, allowing visitors to fully admire the beauty of Do Son beach and Hai Phong city in a spectacular setting.
Tuong Long Tower with its outstanding height. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper)
Long Son has long been considered a place where spiritual energy gathers according to the concept of "gathering mountains, accumulating water", absorbing the energy of heaven and earth. Thanks to this characteristic, the Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong not only carries deep spiritual significance but is also one of the pilgrimage sites of great interest in the port region.
1.2. History of Formation and the Meaning of the Name Tuong Long
The Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong was built in 1058 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, a period when Dai Viet Buddhism flourished. According to "Dai Viet Su Luoc", in 1059, King Ly Thanh Tong dreamed of a golden dragon appearing in Truong Xuan Palace, considering it an auspicious omen and naming the tower "Tuong Long".
The name "Tuong Long" means "Seeing a golden dragon appear" or "Golden dragon descending to earth", symbolizing the prosperity and good fortune of the Ly dynasty. The Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong is not only a Buddhist architectural work but also plays an important role in national defense, serving as a vantage point to protect the northeastern coast and clearly demonstrating the sovereignty of the Dai Viet country.
2. Outstanding Architectural Features of Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong
The original architecture of the Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong features a square base, a flat bottom, and successive tiers gradually narrowing towards the top, strongly reflecting the influence of Ly dynasty Buddhist art. The interior space of the tower is designed to be hollow, creating a sacred atmosphere, with a statue of Amitabha Buddha placed on a stone lotus pedestal, serving as the focal point of the entire structure.
The most unique feature of the tower is its base with an inverted lotus flower shape and a pedestal made of solid bluestone. The tower's pedestal is adorned with patterns of mushrooms, volutes, and chrysanthemums, along with terracotta dragon heads and figures of the mythical bird Kinnara; these elements create the distinctive mark of Ly dynasty art. These details not only possess aesthetic beauty but also reflect the sophisticated religious thinking of the ancients.
After the restoration was completed at the end of 2017, the Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong was built with 9 stories, reaching a height of over 37 meters. The outer walls use decorative ceramic bricks with motifs of dragons, phoenixes, and winding lotuses, closely simulating the ancient original. On the first floor, a stone statue of Amitabha Buddha is placed, occupying the central position in the worship space.
Close-up view of unique patterns carved on the tower. (Source: Collected)
3. Archaeological heritage and artifacts at Tuong Long Tower
3.1. Evidence of dating from the Ly Dynasty
Archaeological excavation activities conducted in the area of Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong have brought many original artifacts dated from the Ly Dynasty. The base of the tower is built in 3 tiers, bricks with embossed ancient Han characters, along with pedestals and fragments of statue bases, are valuable archaeological evidence.
Texts in Han script appearing on bricks and artifacts have contributed to determining the time of the tower's construction under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. Through each historical period, Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong has been repaired during the Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, forming a heritage complex with special cultural depth.
The bricks used to build the tower all have embossed Han characters: “Lý Dynasty's third emperor, created in the 4th year of the Thái Bình era”. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper)
3.2. Precious artifacts still preserved
The pedestal made of solid bluestone, carved with lotus flowers and many traditional artistic symbols, is one of the distinctive artifacts of the Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong . Terracotta statues depicting dragons, phoenixes, Kinnara birds, along with lotus, leaf, and chrysanthemum motifs, are vividly sculpted, clearly reflecting the skillful craftsmanship of Lý Dynasty artisans.
Decorative bricks are another prominent type of artifact, consisting of building bricks, facing bricks, and mosaic tiles with patterns and embossed characters on a terracotta material. This characteristic demonstrates the unique construction techniques of the Lý Dynasty. Motifs of crested dragons, long-headed dragons with wide mouths, phoenixes, and lotus flowers show a harmonious combination between Buddhist beliefs and indigenous culture.
Remains at Tuong Long Tower. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper)
3.3. National Value and Expert Evaluation
In 2005, Tuong Long Hai Phong Tower was recognized as a National Heritage Site by the Ministry of Culture and Information, affirming its position on Vietnam's heritage map. This ranking is based on the special archaeological and cultural-historical value of the structure.
Many researchers and experts recognize Tuong Long Hai Phong Tower as a distinctive symbol of Ly Dynasty Buddhist architecture, reflecting the peak of artistic thinking of that era. The relic holds profound historical, cultural, and spiritual significance and plays an important role in the nation's archaeological treasures.
4. Experience Tuong Long Tower on a journey around Do Son
Tuong Long Hai Phong Tower is a special spiritual destination, attracting many Buddhists and pilgrims in the early days of the new year. Buddhist festivals, ceremonies for peace and good fortune during spring take place in a solemn space, imbued with the local traditions.
Tuong Long Tower attracts tourists to visit. (Source: An Ninh Hai Phong)
When visiting the Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong during festivals, visitors can not only immerse themselves in a sacred atmosphere but also have the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery of mountains and the sea of Do Son. The resonant sound of temple bells blending in the vast space creates a sense of peace and relaxation for everyone's soul.
A trip to Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong can be combined with many attractive destinations in Do Son. The Do Son tourist area is famous for its beaches, resorts, ancient villas, and the traditional buffalo fighting festival every autumn.
For tourists who want to extend their exploration journey, Cat Ba is an ideal choice to continue the experience. The journey to the island by Sun World Cat Ba cable car will bring an impressive feeling, as visitors admire the panoramic view of the emerald bay and majestic limestone mountains from above.
Tourists excitedly experience the Sun World Cat Ba cable car.
Do Son cuisine, with fresh seafood dishes such as tu hai clams, grouper, lobster, along with specialties like crab noodle cake and cua be spring rolls, contributes to the diversity of the travel experience. Strolling on the beach, exploring historical sites, and immersing oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of Northern coastal festivals will create a complete and memorable trip.
Tuong Long Tower Hai Phong not only preserves the golden historical marks of the Ly Dynasty but also offers an emotionally contemplative journey amidst the nature of Do Son. Plan a visit, explore, and feel the pride for a sacred Buddhist heritage in the heart of Hai Phong in 2026.
