Giua Dong Pagoda, located in Nam Hoa Ward, Quang Yen Town, was built by local people around the late 17th century. The pagoda is an important spiritual sanctuary for people in the region and an ideal destination for spiritual tourism.
Giua Dong Pagoda – A sacred temple amidst the plains of Quang Yen
Previously, the pagoda was officially named Huong Dinh Phong Quang, and colloquially in Nom as Giua Dong Pagoda. Later, it was officially renamed Giua Dong due to its location nestled amid vast wet rice fields and peaceful rural villages.
The pagoda is situated amidst rice fields. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
With its long history and exposure to the elements, many parts of the pagoda had seriously degraded and fallen into disrepair. To meet the cultural and spiritual needs of residents within and outside the town, Quang Yen Town restored and renovated Giua Dong Pagoda across an area of 21,671 square meters.
By January 2021, the restoration was completed and the main sanctuary was officially inaugurated. The main sanctuary is designed in the Ly Dynasty architectural style with a total area of 600 square meters, crafted entirely from ironwood and monolithic stone, featuring a structure of eight overlapping roofs and seven bays with two side wings.
The pagoda's three-entrance gate. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
In addition to the main sanctuary, the complex includes structures such as the main altar hall, the ancestral shrine, the Mother Goddess shrine, a guest house, a one-pillar pagoda, an offering hall, the Arhat corridor, a petition-burning pavilion, a bell tower, a mountain grotto shrine, the Eighteen Arhats...
Photo: Nguyen Hung.
The main hall venerates the Three Jewels, the Buddhas, Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta, Bhaisajyaguru, Maitreya Buddha, the Jade Emperor, Nam Tao, Bac Dau, Goddess of Mercy Thi Kinh... The bell tower is also built of wood, housing a bronze bell weighing 1.5 tons.
The newly inaugurated pagoda built of ironwood. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
A special feature of Giua Dong Pagoda is that in the ancestral shrine, in addition to honoring those who contributed to founding the pagoda and the former sages, there is also a statue of President Ho Chi Minh, commemorating his immense contributions and generous heart, while reminding Buddhists and practitioners to always follow his moral example.
In addition to the main festival on the 9th day of the first lunar month each year, twice a month on the full moon and first day of the lunar month, many locals and visitors from all directions come to the pagoda for sightseeing, worship, and prayers for peace.
Photo: hinn27.01.
The completed renovation of the pagoda unlocks potential for spiritual tourism development, provides a highlight for Quang Yen Town's tourism industry, and above all, satisfies the religious and spiritual needs of local residents. Giua Dong Pagoda promises to be an attractive destination in Quang Ninh during the New Year season!
