The Cantonese Assembly Hall, also called the Quang Trieu Pagoda or the Quang Dong Assembly Hall, was an important gathering place for the Chinese community in Hoian, particularly for the Quang Dong people. You will be able to learn about the town's history while also taking pleasure in the one-of-a-kind art and architecture found here.

One of the oldest houses in Hoian, it has been around for a very long time and has contributed to preserving the city's ancient temples and homes. Additionally, it is one of the six Chinese Assembly Halls found in Hoian Ancient Town. Cantonese Assembly Hall is at 176 Tran Phu Street, close to the Japanese Bridge. It is convenient for tourists to walk there to attend the event.

Therefore, the Quang Dong Assembly Hall is an essential tourist destination in the historic town of Hoian that it is vital to explore. In addition, many young couples chose this location for their wedding photographs to capture the momentous occasion they are experiencing.

Overview of  Cantonese Assembly Hall Hoian

• Location: No. 176, Tran Phu street, Hoian ancient town, Quang Nam province
• Opening hours: 8h AM - 17h PM
• Entrance fee: Free

The Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation was constructed in the latter part of the 18th century (sometimes cited as 1885) by Chinese people who had emigrated from the Guangdong - Guangzhou region. 

In the same way that Hoian was one of the most important trading ports in Vietnam throughout the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoian City emerged as one of the first places where Chinese people settled down and found opportunities to conduct business. Since then, several other assembly rooms have been created for meeting and conducting business. There are five assembly halls in Hoian now, but this particular one has a magnetism that is all its own.

Cantonese Assembly Hall Hoian

When the Cantonese Chinese Congregation was first established, the Assembly Hall was chosen to worship the Mazu deity, Thien Hau Thanh Mau, and Confucius. But ever since 1911, it has been used to pay tribute to Guan Yu and other illustrious figures throughout history.

A woman taking a photo at Cantonese Assembly Hall Hoian

Besides being devoted to spiritual values, this assembly hall allows the Cantonese community to organize regular gatherings to support one another in business and day-to-day activities.

Ong Pagoda or Guangzhao Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Quang Trieu in Vietnamese) are two more names that refer to this location in modern times.

The Architecture of Cantonese Assembly Hall 

The construction of this hall is an intriguing journey because every component of this structure was initially fabricated in China and then transported by boat to Hoian, where it was finally put together in its entirety.

The Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation was constructed primarily out of stone and wood, and its design was based on the shape of the Chinese character 囯, which means "nation." The site is fully enclosed, with a gate with three doors, and it features expansive grounds dotted with bonsai trees. One of the characteristics shared by other assembly halls in Hoian is the presence of a backyard, a main hall, and a communal temple in the middle of the building.

Three-door entrance gate

When you are standing at the entry, you will notice that the gate is carved with figures of legendary creatures such as the Chinese dragon, the phoenix, the unicorn, and other species.

Once you have passed through this three-door gate, you will arrive at a front yard enclosed by stone walls. A dragon fountain is in the middle of the courtyard of the Assembly Hall. The tradition constructed this fountain so a fish could transform into a dragon.

The garden in this location is quite large and is adorned with many ornamental plants. A typical house is in the middle of the area with two rows of dwellings on either side. The main hall follows the front yard, and then the backyard follows.

The front hall

A huge main hall is separated into three altars for worship. The one in the middle is where worship to Guan Yu and the famous Red Hare, which is his mount, takes place. The two altars still standing are dedicated to worshipping Phuoc Duc Chanh Than, the god of the earth, and Tai Bach Tinh Quan, the god of wealth. 

Tourists explore Cantonese Assembly Hall

The primary hall is created in a manner that is both grand and solemn, and it features a vast system of sturdy pillars made from significant ancient trees. The statues, carefully sculpted with brilliant colors that have not faded after so many years, are the most conspicuous feature of the main hall. They have been there for more than a century.

The backyard

Following either of the two walks that run along the sides of the main hall, one can access the backyard, which is situated behind the main entrance. This location is pretty spacious and has a lot of trees that provide shade. At the same time as the fountain in the front yard, there is also a dragon sculpture in the fountain in the backyard. Additionally, a delicate and painstakingly detailed portrait of Guan Yu is carved into the wall behind the main hall.

The portrait of general Quan Vu is meticulously sculpted

In front of you is a sizable garden adorned with many decorative plants that have been appropriately cultivated and groomed. A vast lake can be found in the middle of the yard, and located within it is a carving of a dragon winding its way around, based on the legend of the "Carp turned dragon."

How To Get To Cantonese Assembly Hall Hoian?

To get to Cantonese Assembly Hall Hoian, you can transfer from Danang to Hoian by bus, taxi/private car, or motorbike. However, renting a private car from Danang to Hoian is the best option for you. 

You can have peace of mind knowing that Vietnam Trust Car Rental will assist you in managing your request if you decide to hire a private automobile from Danang to Hoian that is both extremely safe and quick, and the driver is fluent in English. We can arrange a private car in Danang to pick you up at the Danang airport and then bring you to the hotel in Hoian securely and expediently. 

To provide passengers with a pleasant mode of transportation after a lengthy flight, we offer a private car from Danang Airport to Hoian. There is no need to hunt for a cab at the airport, and there is also no need to ask for a price or bargain. Before making a reservation with us, we will provide you with the price and email you the service voucher. Ensure you know the flight number, arrival time, and hotel address in Hoian regarding your information. At the arrival gate, our driver will always be waiting for you 10 minutes before your flight is scheduled to arrive.

People who are interested in culture will find that the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation is the kind of site that captures their attention. You will not only be able to obtain a solid understanding of history, but you will also have the opportunity to reflect on the past glory days of Hoian Town.

In conclusion, when you go to Hoian for the next time, you should make it a point to stop by this assembly hall so that you might experience serenity at each and every moment.