Exploring Chinese Architectural Heritage in Hue - Treasures of the Ancient Capital
Not only are these sites distinctive and remarkable destinations, but the Chinese architectural structures in Hue also serve as impressive landmarks on the tourist map and are precious architectural heritage of the former capital.
Chieu Ung Temple (Chiêu Ứng Từ) addressed at 207 Chi Lăng street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City. The story of the 108 Chinese merchants has been passed down, and gradually, among the Chinese, they are revered as 108 sacred heroes. In 1887, the Hainan Association requested permission from the royal court to build Chieu Ung Tu for worship. Today, when visitors arrive at Chieu Ung Temple, they will see the main hall dedicated to the 108 heroic spirits. Every year on the 16th day of the 6th lunar month, local residents hold a commemorative ceremony.
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall & Cantonese (Quang Dong) Pagoda When it comes to Chinese architectural landmarks in Hue, the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall at 223 Chi Lang Street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City is an essential mention. This structure was built by the Chinese community from the Trieu Khanh region of Cantonese (Quang Dong) province. The assembly hall is dedicated to General Quan Cong, a renowned figure in Chinese history, symbolizing the spirit of loyalty, heroism, and integrity. The Quang Trieu Assembly Hall has retained its distinctive architectural features over time. The entrance gate prominently displays the characters “Quoc Thai - Dan An” (meaning “National Prosperity and People’s Peace”). Like many other Chinese architectural works, this site features intricate horizontal inscriptions and couplets that convey the essence of human existence across different eras. Cantonese (Quang Dong) Pagoda at 223 Chi Lang Street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City. This temple, located in Hue, belongs to the Cantonese (Quang Dong) community and was built in the late 19th century to honor General Quan Cong. The pagoda exhibits distinctive features of Cantonese (Cantonese (Quang Dong)) architectural style, with red doors, golden inscriptions, and intricate eye-catching patterns. Many tourists visit this Chinese architectural gem in Hue to capture its ancient ambiance and rich cultural essence.
“Ba”(Lady) Hainanese Pagoda(瓊府會館) - is another famous Chinese architectural work in Hue. It is situated at 307 Chi Lăng street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City. At the corner of Ho Xuan Huong and Chi Lang Streets. According to historical accounts, when the Minh Huong people first arrived in the Thuan Hoa region, they only had a small temple called “Ba” in Minh Huong Village. However, as they prospered in the Gia Hoi area, they built the Ba Hai Nam Pagoda. Before Chieu Ung Temple was constructed, the 108 Hainanese merchants who were killed at sea were also honored here. Ba Hai Nam Pagoda features impressive architectural elements, including ornate horizontal inscriptions and ancient motifs. People of Chinese descent in the vicinity still visit this pagoda for worship and offerings during special festivals.
Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation/ Teochew Assembly Hall (Trieu Chau Pagoda) stands as a prominent Chinese architectural work in Hue. It is grandly situated at 319 Chi Lang Street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City. This ancient temple was once the wealthiest and most significant Chinese temple in the Gia Hoi area before 1975. Despite its unassuming architectural style, Trieu Chau Pagoda possesses unique features that reflect the typical Chinese architectural characteristics. It was built to honor the wandering souls of the Trieu Chau community. Even today, people of Chinese descent in the Gia Hoi vicinity and distant travelers often visit this temple, especially during special occasions.
Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation (Phuc Kien Temple) is located right next to Chaozhou (Trieu Chau) Pagoda at 321 Chi Lang Street, Gia Hoi Ward, Hue City, creating a grand and prominent complex of Chinese architectural structures in Hue. This temple was built during the reign of Emperor Tu Duc (1854). Fujian (Phuc Kien) Temple stands out as the most impressive and remarkable among the Chinese architectural works in Hue. Its architecture was once magnificent, but its current appearance has undergone several changes since its early days. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau (the Goddess of the Sea), believed to be an embodiment of Quan The Am Bodhisattva, who assisted merchants in overcoming the challenges of long sea voyages.
Chinese architectural structures in Hue are predominantly located in the southeastern part of the imperial city. Visitors coming from Dong Ba Market need only head down to the Gia Hoi area to reach Chi Lang Street. With its unique architectural style preserved through the ages, the Chinese structures in Hue showcase cultural diversity and rich religious traditions. Don’t miss out on exploring these remarkable architectural gems when you visit Hue!