Tuong Van pagoda is located at the hill area of Thuy Xuan ward. At Tu Dam - Nam Giao junction, take Tran Thai Tong street about 500m.
The pagoda used to be a place of worship established by monk Tanh Hoat Hue Canh in 1843. At this time, monk Tanh Hue Nhat Chon also founded another place of worship called Tu Quang not too far from Tuong Van place of worship. It was managed by monk Hai Toan Linh Co, the disciple of monk Tanh Hoat after monk Tanh Hoat Hue Canh had passed away. In 1869, monk Hai Toan Linh Co united these two places of worship and renamed as Tuong Van pagoda. The pagoda was based at Tu Quang place of worship. The former Tuong Van place of worship then made room for Tung Thien quan cong's tomb.
In 1881, the pagoda was renovated by Empress Dowager Trang Y (Ms. Vu Thi Duyen, the wife of Emperor Tu Duc). It was later renovated by Empress Dowager Tu Du (the mother of Emperor Tu Duc) and courtiers. Tuy Ly quan cong composed a poem and carved it on "Trung tu Tuong Van Tu bi" stele which was erected in 1892. In 1896, the pagoda was presented "Sac tu Tuong Van Tu" lacquered horizontal board by Emperor Thanh Thai. The pagoda was later renovated in 1972, 2013 and 2015. This famous pagoda was the place where great most venerable Thich Tinh Khiet lived. The most venerable ordained in 1905, became the leader of Unified Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam in 1951 and the first supreme patriarch of Unified Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam in southern Vietnam in 1964. He passed away in 1973.
The pagoda covers the area of about 30.000m2 and is surrounded by wall. The giant three-entrance gate which faces the east was recently constructed. Many kinds of trees and ornamental trees are planted in its garden. Crescent lake, miniature mountain and ancient well can be found in the pagoda's yard. Architectures are arranged in traditional "kou" shape. Dai Hung palace was in front of the pagoda, the memorial house of the late supreme patriarch Thich Tinh Khiet was on the right. To the left of the pagoda locate guest house and kitchen.
There are also tomb tower and memorial house. The bed, books and tools once used by late patriarch Thich Tinh Khiet were still stored at the pagoda.
(Source: Geography book - Culture chapter - 2020)