Bao Vinh Ancient Town
One of the most busiest port of South East Asia in 18th Century similar to Hoi An
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.
A once-bustling Chinatown from the old days.
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.
However, the flow of history brought unexpected changes. Unlike the strong preservation and tourism development of Hội An, Bao Vinh gradually faded into obscurity. The decline of the trading port could be attributed to various factors, from shifts in trade routes and political upheavals to the competition from emerging ports.
Nevertheless, the imprints of a golden era still exist in Bao Vinh. The ancient houses, the narrow streets bearing the hallmarks of old architecture, and especially the Chinese assembly halls that have steadfastly endured the passage of time, all stand as vivid evidence of a proud past. These heritages not only hold material value but also contain profound cultural and historical significance that needs to be cherished and preserved.
Discover our Bao Vinh Ancient Town Tour Here
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