Name: Ho Chi Minh City
Rating: 3.3

Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City Overview

Located in Cholon in District 5, Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the deified general Quan Cong, who belonged to the Han Dynasty of 3nd century. The temple features ornate woodwork and lively paintings, and the main statue looks down from a glass case.The statue of Ong Bon, the guardian of happiness and virtue also stands to one side.

Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda is proof of the multicultural nature of Ho Chi Minh City. Built by migrated Chaozhou Chinese in the early 19th century, the pagoda is an ode to the influence of the Chaozhou Chinese on Vietnamese culture. Also known as the Whale Temple, its ornate and delicate woodwork make it a remarkable sight. The entrance of the temple is decked with a large engraving of a wooden boat. To the left of it is a large depiction of Quan Cong’s horse and groom. Quan Cong, the deified Chinese general from the Three Kingdoms period, is depicted in a glass altar behind the main altar. The temple celebrates Quan De Ceremony to show gratitude towards Quan Cong, on 24th of June based on the lunar calendar. There are a number of Chinese temples in Ho Chi Minh built by the Chaozhou Chinese, but Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda is one of the most beautiful and intricately designed. The traditional architecture perfectly reflects the aspects of their culture and religious heritage.

How to Reach Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda

Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda is located at 678 Nguyen Trai Street in Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City, popularly known as Saigon’s Chinatown. You can easily take a taxi or grabcar to the temple. Those choosing to use public transport may take bus number 01 or 54 to the Triệu Quang Phục bus stop on Nguyễn Trãi in order to reach Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda

Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda Architecture

Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda follows the same architecture as a typical Chinese temple. It has a yard, an anterior room, incense room, main room and other rooms beside the altar. The Hues and designs are widely utilized in the interior of the temple to distinguish each room from one another. Another stunning feature of the temple is the stone unicorns. These unicorns are beautifully carved out of a single stone, somewhat resembling a dragon. The Chinese like to call them Unicorns. They believe that the Unicorns are the guards or the protectors of the Temple thus, they can be spotted at the entrance. The delicately chiselled ceiling, the elaborate woodwork, huge parallel Chinese slokas, aromatic fragrance of burning incense and the vibrant paintings all make the temple a great place to get rid of your stress and blend your soul with harmony.