Chinese Assembly Halls in Huế
1679 (the Year of the Goat), after the fall of the Ming dynasty, four former Ming generals refused to submit to the Qing court and led more than 3,000 followers on 50 ships from Guangdong (China) to seek refuge in Vietnam. Lord Nguyễn Phúc Tần allowed them to settle in the South (Cho Lon -Ho Chi Minh City), reclaiming new lands. A smaller group, however, chose to remain in Huế, establishing themselves to the east of the Imperial Citadel where trade and daily life were most convenient.
When Huế later became the imperial capital under the Nguyễn dynasty, the Chinese community flourished. Known for their diligence and sharp business acumen, they quickly rose in prosperity and became an integral part of the city’s commercial life. Alongside mandarins, scholars, monks, craftsmen, and laborers, the presence of Chinese merchants added a vibrant dynamic to the cosmopolitan heart of the capital.
To strengthen community bonds, preserve traditions, and worship their deities and ancestors, they founded a number of assembly halls (hội quán). These halls were not only places of worship but also cultural hubs, embodying the distinct architectural style and spiritual identity of the overseas Chinese. Today, they remain as living testaments to the cultural diversity of Huế.
1st Image : Hainan Assembly Hall
Quỳnh Phủ Hall (Hainan Assembly Hall)
Located at the corner of Hồ Xuân Hương and Chi Lăng streets, this hall is dedicated to Lady Ma Châu, a revered figure in Hainanese belief, believed to manifest in times of peril to rescue fishermen at sea. It served as both a spiritual sanctuary and a gathering place for the Hainanese community in Huế.
Phúc Kiến (Fujian) Assembly Hall
Standing nearby, this hall is believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Tự Đức. Although it has undergone changes over time, the structure still impresses with its grandeur and refined craftsmanship. It enshrines Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu (Mazu), the sea goddess considered an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, who protects merchants and sailors navigating the ocean.
Quảng Triệu Assembly Hall (Guangzhao)
Founded by the Chinese community from Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, this hall is dedicated to Guan Gong – a legendary general from the late Eastern Han dynasty. In popular belief, Guan Gong embodies the values of chivalry, righteousness, and loyalty, making him a revered cultural and spiritual symbol among overseas Chinese communities.
Minh Hương Village – Bao Vinh
Not far from the assembly halls lies Bao Vinh, once a bustling river port and often referred to as the “Chinatown” of Huế. The Chinese community called it Minh Hương Village, meaning “the village of Ming descendants.” A hub of trade and cultural exchange, Bao Vinh stood as a vivid reminder of how Chinese immigrants enriched the heritage of the imperial capital.
These assembly halls are privately owned by their respective hometown associations, so they are generally not open to casual visitors. Access is usually reserved for members of the community or those with ancestral roots. For example, if you are of Fujian descent, you may be welcomed to visit the Phúc Kiến Assembly Hall after making prior arrangements.
Explore Bao Vinh Chinatown Tour in Huế
2nd Image : (Fujian) Assembly Hall
