Tu Quang pagoda (Da Trang Pagoda) is located in Can Vuong hamlet, An Dan commune, Tuy Hoa district, about 35 km away from Tuy Hoa city to the North. The pagoda is located on a mountain range with many white rock blocks so this is also called Da Trang Pagoda (White Rock). The pagoda leans on Xuan Dai mountain range to the South and faces to Cai River with the height of nearly 100 m comparing to the sea water level.
The pagoda was constructed from 1797 (The year of Golden Pig) in King Quang Toan Tay Son dynasty, at first time, the pagoda was constructed with bamboo and leave roof. In 1889, the pagoda was bestowed by royal decree. In 1988, the central chamber was re-constructed as it is today. In the West, there are graves of superior Buddhist monks who had the credits to construct and chair Tu Quang pagoda. The first superior Buddhist monk was Superior Buddhist Monk Phap Chuyen with courtesy name of Luat Truyen, official name of Dieu Nghiem, who was member of Lam Te Group of 36th generation.
Especially, there is a big Bell with the weight of 330 kg casted by Superior Buddhist Monk Phap Ngu in Phu Xuan Capital City. Around the pagoda, there is a famous mango garden, “Xoai Da Trang, San Phuong Lua”. Under Nguyen dynasty, Da Trang mango was marched forward the King so this mango is called “Royal Mango”, “For King Mango” and was named “Bach Thach Yem Ba”. Da Trang Pagoda mango tree complex was also recognized by Nature and Environment Protection as a Vietnam’s Heritage Tree in 2013.
Tu Quang pagoda was recognized as a National historical-art relic on 23/1/1997. On the 10th of Lunar January, festival is held in this pagoda which attract many Buddhists and visitors everywhere.
