Cao Linh Pagoda

Cao Linh Pagoda is located in Bac Ha hamlet, Bac Son commune, An Duong district, at the western gateway of Hai Phong, about 12 km from the city center. Covering roughly 49,000 m², it is one of the largest pagodas in Hai Phong, facing the Thien Van mountain range with the Ha Lien river behind.

According to local records, the pagoda was likely built by the Le Van family of Ha Lien village; a stone stele records its last restoration in the Later Le dynasty, over 300 years ago. Originally it was a modest complex of a three-bay front hall, two-bay sanctuary and five-bay patriarch house.

During the resistance war against the French, the pagoda sheltered revolutionary cadres and 20 of its bays were burned down by French forces. In 2001 it was entrusted to Venerable Thich Thanh Giac, abbot of Pho Chieu Pagoda, and a large-scale restoration gave the pagoda its present appearance.

The pagoda blends classical East Asian temple forms with modern Western elements. Its Five-Gate entrance (Ngu Quan) is decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs and a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, symbolizing five fundamental Buddhist virtues. The main hall, Dai Hung Bao Dien, follows the traditional Dinh-shaped plan with a three-bay front hall and a rear sanctuary enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha. The grounds include a stupa garden, Buddha statues and facilities serving the city's large Buddhist community.