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Perfume Pagoda

Located in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Ha Noi, the Perfume Pagoda is one of Vietnam's most famous religious sites. It is a striking complex of unique Buddhist temples and shrines, including Den Trinh (Presentation Shrine) and Thien Tru (Heaven Kitchen) Pagoda, built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountains. At the heart of the complex lies the Perfume temple, also called Chua Trong (Inner Temple) in the giant Huong Tich Cavern. There are numerous stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes such as rice stacks, trees and dragons. The first temple is thought to have been built in the 15th century during the reign of Le Thanh Tong. Over the years, some of its structures which were severely damaged have been restored or replaced.

For those who want to find a peaceful place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of cities, it is the perfect destination. A one-hour boat trip along the Yen stream passing by tranquil villages and rice paddy fields to visit the temples will be an unforgettable experience. Unsurprisingly, this picturesque area becomes a rich source of inspiration for artists, poets and composers as well. Its beauty has been depicted through many famous paintings, poems and songs. The Perfume Pagoda is known as a sacred place of Buddhist worship. Annually, it attracts large numbers of pilgrims from across the country during its festival (from the middle of January to the middle of March on the lunar calendar).

1. Match the words/ phrases with their definitions.

Ghép các (cụm) từ với định nghĩa đúng.

.........................- interesting and unusual enough to attract attention

........................- a type of white stone that contains calcium, used in building and in making cement

........................– busy and noisy activity of a lot of people in one place

.............................. - the process that takes place when somebody sees or hears something that causes them to have exciting new ideas or makes them want to create something, especially in art, music or literature

............................. - connected with God or a god; considered to be holy

............................- a person who travels to a holy place for religious reasons

striking - interesting and unusual enough to attract attention

limestone - a type of white stone that contains calcium, used in building and in making cement

hustle and bustle – busy and noisy activity of a lot of people in one place

inspiration - the process that takes place when somebody sees or hears something that causes them to have exciting new ideas or makes them want to create something, especially in art, music or literature

sacred - connected with God or a god; considered to be holy

pilgrim - a person who travels to a holy place for religious reasons