Bình Lâm Temple

About

Bình Lâm Temple in Phú Linh is known for its Trần-period bronze bell, a National Treasure. The clearly preserved inscription on the bell records Buddhist activity and the history of communities in the border region.

Visitor information

Founded

A Trần-period object survives: a bell cast in 1295.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours may change with the temple’s practice schedule; please ask the temple before your visit.

Fees

No fee has been confirmed by the temple. Please check notices at the site; external services may be charged separately.

Address

Thôn Mường Nam, xã Phú Linh, tỉnh Tuyên Quang; khu vực Vị Xuyên, Hà Giang trước đây.

Highlights

• ✓A bronze bell cast in 1295, a National Treasure
• ✓A Trần-period inscription
• ✓Dragon and lotus motifs on the bell
• ✓The temple setting in Phú Linh

History and origins

The Bình Lâm bell was cast in 1295 under Trần Anh Tông with contributions from local leader Nguyễn Anh, Nguyễn Thị Ninh and devotees. The old temple was damaged; reconstruction of the current building began in 2007 and it was handed over in 2010. In 2013, the bell was recognized as a National Treasure.

Architecture & surroundings

The present temple is a reconstructed building in Phú Linh’s landscape of fields, hills and mountains. Its most prominent historical object is the bronze bell with a suspension handle shaped as paired dragons, striking bosses and lotus decoration. The inscription on its body offers more specific historical evidence than speculation based on the new building’s appearance.

Cultural value

The bell is both a ritual instrument and a historical source concerning Buddhism, place names and Trần-period communities. Its bronze casting, dragons and lotus forms demonstrate the skill of earlier craftspeople. Residents, schools and local cultural authorities have continued shared protection of the site across generations.

Events & festivals

Materials from the Vị Xuyên Education and Training Department record the Lồng Tồng festival of Mường Nam hamlet on the sixth day of the first lunar month. This is a record of local community activity; please ask the management board about the current schedule before travelling.