Bao Vinh Ancient Town - the busiest trading port and also a Chinatown in Hue in the 18th century

One of the most busiest port of South East Asia in 18th Century similar to Hoi An
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Bao Vinh was not merely a Largest trading port in 18th century, but also a historical witness, marking a period of brilliant development in the Đàng Trong region. Its prosperity was not only reflected in the valuable traded goods such as ivory (elephant and rhinoceros), bird's nests, ceramics, silk, and jewelry. The Ming Dynasty's trade embargo against European countries inadvertently created favorable conditions for Vietnamese trading ports, including Bao Vinh. It became an important transshipment point, connecting Chinese merchants with partners from Spain, England, France, and Japan. This bustling trade brought wealth and a vibrant urban appearance to Bao Vinh.

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A once-bustling Chinatown from the old days.

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And this place also witnessed the strong presence of the Chinese community (known as Minh Hương Village - established with the purpose of preserving for future generations their origins, signifying those who left the Ming Dynasty, as the Ming Dynasty was defeated by the Qing Dynasty with ''Minh'' mean Ming dynasty and ''Huong'' means hometown. Many loyal Ming officials and people migrated throughout Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Notably, this Minh Hương village of Huế was also the birthplace of two famous musicians with Chinese roots: Trịnh Công Sơn and Trần Minh Phi.

However, the Chinese community here gradually dwindled as, during the French invasion of Huế and the subsequent fall of the Citadel, many Chinese migrated to more peaceful areas with less war, such as Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Therefore, today, although the area is still inhabited, the Chinese community has long gone, and few people know the fact that this used to be a Chinatown.

Regarding the fall of the Citadel, you can read more here

The presence of Chinese assembly halls such as Phúc Kiến (Fujian), Triều Châu (Chaozhou), and Hải Nam (Hainan) on the nearby Chi Lăng Street further affirms the partnership of the Chinese community in Bao Vinh's development. These assembly halls were not only community gathering places but also commercial centers, contributing to the cultural and economic diversity of the area. The unique architecture of these halls, with their intricate carvings and vibrant colors, remains a highlight attracting the attention of anyone who sets foot here.

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