Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
French archaeologists began gathering Cham artifacts from central Vietnam in the late 19th century, initially displaying them in a public garden, though these pieces suffered from exposure and vandalism.
Nestled approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Đà Nẵng and 20 kilometers northeast of Hội An, the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn, meaning "Five Elements Mountains") present a striking tableau of five marble and limestone peaks, each named after one of the classical elements: Kim Sơn (metal), Mộc Sơn (wood), Thuỷ Sơn (water), Hoả Sơn (fire), and Thổ Sơn (earth). These peaks rise majestically within a 2-square-kilometer area, with Thuỷ Sơn being the largest and most frequented due to its picturesque landscapes and historical significance.
The Marble Mountains are steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual history. The remnants of Chàm influences, including artifacts from the late 9th century, indicate that this site has long been a revered Buddhist location. The tradition of building Buddhist temples continued from the Nguyễn dynasty into the 20th century. At the base of Thuỷ Sơn, the Non Nước Stone Sculpture Village, established in the 17th century, has grown into a renowned hub for stone carving, contributing significantly to the region's sculptural heritage.
The peaks were first recorded on a map dating back to 1594, and their splendor was remarked upon by historical figures such as the Chinese Zen Master Thích Đại Sán and British explorer Charles Chapman. In the 19th century, Emperor Minh Mạng made multiple visits to the site, documenting and naming the peaks. The French, who visited in 1831, dubbed the area "Les Montagnes de marbre," a name that evolved into the English "Marble Mountains."
By the early 20th century, the Marble Mountains had become a popular tourist attraction, and in 1990, they were designated a national monument. The addition of a modern glass-walled elevator in 2011 has made the site more accessible, particularly for those who prefer not to climb the historic stairways.
Visitors to the Marble Mountains can begin their journey by purchasing tickets at the entrance and choosing between ascending the ancient stairways or taking the elevator. The East Stairway, constructed in 1825, leads to the Linh Ứng Pagoda, a site of historical and spiritual significance, which has been renovated and expanded over the years. Adjacent to the pagoda, the seven-story Xá Lợi Tower and various stupas enhance the site's architectural and spiritual appeal. The Linh Ứng Pagoda, with its elaborate decorations and multiple shrines, provides a tranquil space for worship and contemplation. Nearby, another ancient temple, the Tam Thai Pagoda, adds depth to the experience. As one of the oldest temples in the area, Tam Thai offers a window into the historical development of Buddhist worship in the region, showcasing how deeply rooted these spiritual traditions remain in the Marble Mountains.
Exploring the caves reveals a blend of Buddhist and Daoist influences, with ancient artifacts and contemporary statues coexisting. Notable caves such as Tàng Chơn, Chơn Tiên, Chiêm Thành, and Gió showcase this unique blend. The Hoa Nghiêm and Huyền Không Caves are particularly distinguished by their intricately carved statues and historical inscriptions.
Today, the Marble Mountains continue to be a vital spiritual and cultural site, with ongoing contributions from the Non Nước Stone Sculpture Village, which maintains its tradition of producing diverse stone carvings. The site’s rich historical tapestry, coupled with its breathtaking natural beauty, makes it a cherished destination for both visitors and worshippers.
French archaeologists began gathering Cham artifacts from central Vietnam in the late 19th century, initially displaying them in a public garden, though these pieces suffered from exposure and vandalism.
The Hải Vân Pass, also known as the Sea Cloud Pass, gracefully winds across a dramatic spur of the Trường Sơn mountain range, where rugged peaks meet the sea.
Non Nước Beach, stretching gracefully for 5 kilometers along the base of the Marble Mountains, lies just 8 kilometers southeast of Đà Nẵng.
Opened in 2009, Sun World Bà Nà Hills Mountain Resort offers an exhilarating journey from its Ga Suối Mơ base station via a five-line Doppelmayer cable car system and a scenic 400-meter Garaventa funicular tramway.
Nam Ô Village, nestled at the mouth of the Cu Đê River, offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam's coastal heritage. Despite the encroachment of modernity, the village retains its old-world charm, with narrow alleyways that can only be explored on foot.
Perched high above Đà Nẵng on a 630-meter promontory, Linh Ứng Bãi Bụt Pagoda offers a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and contemporary devotion. Though completed between 2004 and 2010, the pagoda’s legacy is deeply rooted in a centuries-old legend from the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng (1820-1840).
Mân Thái Beach, located just 3 kilometers north of Đà Nẵng’s bustling center, is a serene coastal retreat that invites visitors to step into a world where time moves more slowly.
Pháp Lâm Pagoda, founded in 1932 in Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, initially served as a spiritual center under the name Pagoda of the Buddhist Assembly of Đà Nẵng, later becoming the Pagoda of the Annam Buddhist Assembly Đà Nẵng in 1938. Rebuilt extensively between 1999 and 2005, it now features a grand three-entrance gate and a two-level main building.
Originally opened in the 1980s, Đà Nẵng City Museum has a rich legacy of preserving and showcasing the city’s historical and cultural artifacts. The museum remains a vital repository of thousands of documents, photographs, and objects that trace the evolution of Đà Nẵng and its districts.
Nestled approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Đà Nẵng and 20 kilometers northeast of Hội An, the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn, meaning "Five Elements Mountains") present a striking tableau of five marble and limestone peaks
Mỹ Khê Beach, situated just 6 kilometers east of Đà Nẵng’s bustling city center, is an idyllic coastal escape renowned for its long, pristine stretch of powdery white sand and tranquil azure waters.
Hàn Market (Chợ Hàn) is a symbol of Đà Nẵng's rich commercial heritage, dating back centuries. Though now housed in a modest building from 1991, its roots stretch to the city’s earliest days in Hải Châu. Over time, the market became a key trade hub and ferry terminal, reaching prominence as one of Quảng Nam's major markets by 1776.
Cồn Market (Chợ Cồn) in Đà Nẵng, established in the 1940s and modernized since, is a vibrant hub for authentic Vietnamese shopping. Located on Ông Ích Khiêm Street, 3 kilometers from the city center, it offers a diverse range of products including fresh produce, seafood, meat, clothing, and souvenirs.
Standing gracefully along modern-day Trần Phú Street, Đà Nẵng Cathedral, fondly known as Nhà Thờ Con Gà (Rooster Church), stands as a beloved symbol of faith and history in the city.
The Cao Đài faith, a syncretic religion blending Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, emerged in 1926 in Tây Ninh, Vietnam, as a unique spiritual movement. While the orthodox Cao Đài Tây Ninh sect established Đà Nẵng's first temple in 1938, this temple, located at 63 Hải Phòng Street, was constructed between 1956 and 1957.
The award-winning Dragon Bridge, an iconic architectural marvel in Đà Nẵng, was designed by Louis Berger and Ammann & Whitney following an international design competition.
Đà Nẵng’s eight westernmost districts—Đông Giang, Tây Giang, Nam Giang, Tiên Phước, Hiệp Đức, Phước Sơn, Bắc Trà My, and Nam Trà My—are known for their breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
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