The Bat Trang Pagoda, also known as "Kim Trúc Tự," is a serene temple situated in the ancient village of Bát Tràng, taking its name from the location where it stands. Built facing the West, the temple complex includes various structures such as the main hall, ancestral house, mother's house, guesthouse, garden, and tower garden.
Bát Tràng Pagoda is distinctive for its rich and diverse collection of artifacts, both in terms of quantity and materials, carrying remarkable artistic value. The stone columns in the main hall and corridors are exemplary, where solid stone blocks have been crafted into sturdy columns adorned with Han-script couplets and intricately stylized floral patterns. Particularly noteworthy are the ancient stone slabs that convey historical messages and epochs of the temple.
Formerly the main temple at the end of the village, Kim Trúc Pagoda, often referred to as Bát Pagoda, stands as a masterpiece of architecture in the northern Kinh Bac region. Renovated during the reign of Emperor Lê Thuần Tông and completed during the era of Emperor Lê Ý Tông, the pagoda comprises grand structures such as the Upper Sanctuary, Front Hall, Thiêu Hương, Three Gates, Bell Tower, Ancestral House, and Monks' Quarters.
Despite facing historical challenges, Bát Tràng Pagoda experienced partial collapse into the river in 1942, followed by dismantling during the large-scale North Hưng Hải irrigation project in 1958. However, in 1999, through community solidarity and efforts, the Bát Tràng village successfully reconstructed "Kim Trúc Tự" and integrated it with Am Pagoda, creating a cultural and religious heritage site.
Today, Kim Trúc Tự preserves significant features such as the main hall in a square shape, the Front Hall connecting to the Upper Sanctuary through Thiêu Hương. Historical artifacts like the bells "Kim Trúc Tự Chung" (1852) and "Hoàn Quang Đức Chung" (1892) stand out as notable masterpieces. Wooden relics, including the ancient "Bảo Minh Điện" and the "Pháp Môn Vô Lượng" painting by scholar Trần Lê Nhân in 1928, showcase exceptional calligraphy and traditional artistry.
In 2002, the Bát Tràng Pagoda was designated as a Historical and Artistic Monument by the Hanoi People's Committee, and in 2021, it underwent restoration and enhancement to meet the aspirations of the local community. With its historical and artistic charm, Bát Tràng Pagoda remains a captivating destination for tourists visiting the Bát Tràng Craft Village.
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