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The Chinese community (Hoa people) has played a significant role in shaping the beautiful Ho Chi Minh City we see today, and they've also left behind architectural landmarks that deeply reflect their cultural identity. One of these is the Nghia An Assembly Hall, a large temple located in the Cho Lon area of District 5. Join Asia King Travel as we take a visit to this historical destination.
The assembly hall bears a strong imprint of Chinese culture. Photo: Threads @duc.rdb
The name “Nghia An” carries the meaning of remembering one’s roots and origin. When the Teochew people migrated to Saigon, they named the assembly hall to honor their homeland. It also has a localized name is "Ong Pagoda". The hall is dedicated to Guan Yu, a renowned general from the Three Kingdoms period. In Chinese culture, Guan Yu represents loyalty and righteousness. That’s why, in a society that places great value on these virtues like China, he is a highly revered deity.
Image of the assembly hall before renovation. Photo: Darren On The Road
The assembly hall was believed to have been built in the mid to late 18th century. In 1993, it was recognized as a national architectural and artistic heritage site. The assembly hall has undergone several restorations over the years: 1866, 1901, 1969, 1984, 2010, and most recently in 2014.
Many people contributed financially to the restoration efforts, with some individuals donating up to 1 million US dollars (which speaks volumes about the economic strength of the Chinese root people).
Nghia An Assembly Hall is located at 678 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Districts 5, 6, and part of District 11 were the Cho Lon urban area, home to a large Chinese community. This area is considered the largest Chinatown in the world in terms of area. Around there, you can find more unique Chinese architectural houses and structures.
The fish pond and the relief sculpture depicting the carp turning into a dragon outside the assembly hall. Photo: Tripgoquest
Since it's located in an urban area, there are plenty of ways to get there. You can easily hop on a taxi or book a ride via a ride-hailing app and get there in no time. If you're coming from Tan Son Nhat Airport, just follow the route: Truong Chinh – Ly Thuong Kiet – Phu Dong Thien Vuong, then turn onto Nguyen Trai Street, and you’ll arrive at your destination.
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On the 13th day of the first lunar month (around February), the assembly hall holds a ceremony to honor Guan Yu, praying for a smooth year and peace for families as the new year begins. There's also a traditional ritual where men crawl under the belly of Guan Yu’s horse, Red Hare, seven times, and women do so nine times to bring good luck.
This is one of the major annual festivals for the Chinese community. Photo: Dan tri
Worshippers also ring the bell hanging around the horse’s neck or gently stroke its neck to seek blessings. For children, crawling under the belly of Red Hare is believed to bring academic success and healthy growth.
After the solemn rituals at the assembly hall, a vibrant parade featuring over 300 participants in elaborate costumes brings the festival atmosphere to life. The statue of Lord Guan is carried in a procession through the streets surrounding the assembly hall.
Overall, the architecture and decoration of the temple clearly reflect the Teochew style through its design and color scheme. Red is the dominant color, while the green roof symbolizes Guan Yu. Multicolored porcelain details add to the vibrancy, making the structure visually striking and full of character.
The temple roof is built in three tiers: the middle section is the highest, with the two sides slightly lower. On top of the roof sits a ceramic sculpture of two dragons vying for a pearl. Along the walls are reliefs depicting famous tales from the Three Kingdoms period and various animals.
The details on the rooftop are incredibly intricate and vibrant. Photo: Threads @duc.rdb
Notably, the animals worshipped in the temple are all shown in mother-and-child pairs: a foal beside the Red Hare horse, a baby qilin at the feet of the mother qilin, a tiger cub next to the mother tiger, and baby dragons curling around the mother dragon.
Nghia An Assembly Hall spans up to 2,000 square meters, making it the largest Chinese assembly hall in Ho Chi Minh City. At the front of the courtyard, there is a large fish-release pond featuring a stone-carved mural depicting the carp transforming into a dragon, a symbol of overcoming challenges to achieve success.
On both sides of the front hall are two worship chambers facing the main sanctuary. To the east stands a high altar dedicated to the Earth God, while to the west is a statue of the Red Hare horse, standing 2.5 meters tall with its head held high. Nearby is a 2-meter-tall statue of a general in charge of looking after Guan Yu's horse, holding the reins in his hand.
The large pair of stone qilins guarding the gate. Photo: Redsvn
From the two sides of the main gate leading to the temple entrance, you'll notice a pair of stone qilin intricately carved and guarding the gate. This pair is considered one of the hall’s most precious artifacts, highly valued for its artistic craftsmanship. Stepping through the gate, you’ll arrive at the front hall, where a central open-air courtyard brings light and ventilation to the spacious assembly hall.
Beyond the large courtyard lies the central area of the assembly hall, where the statue of Guan Yu is enshrined. The statue stands at an impressive 3 meters tall, featuring his signature red face, long beard, and familiar green robe. Flanking him are statues of Guan Ping (his son) and Zhou Cang (his loyal general). Surrounding the altar are numerous parallel verses and horizontal plaques praising his virtues.
Three large statues occupy an entire worship room. Photo: Quan 5 xin chao
Come visit Nghia An Assembly Hall to experience a different side of Ho Chi Minh City, a glimpse into the unique culture of Cho Lon and the vibrant heritage of the Chinese-Vietnamese community. Just get in touch with Asia King Travel, and you’ll be able to explore this remarkable site along with many other fascinating destinations across Vietnam.
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