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Nghia An Assembly Hall, also known as Ong Pagoda, is one of the architectural and religious symbols of the Teochew Chinese community in Saigon. Upon visiting, photographer Nguyen Minh Duc had a deeply impressive experience with this historical site.
A panoramic view of Nghia An Assembly Hall – one of the oldest Chinese assembly halls in Saigon, bearing the distinct mark of traditional architecture.
Exquisite architecture – a masterpiece of artistic value.
From the moment he stepped into Nghia An Assembly Hall, Nguyen Minh Duc couldn't hide his admiration for the architectural beauty of the building. "All the carvings are incredibly elaborate, meticulous, and exquisite. What's special is that this place has been preserved and restored so well that every detail remains almost intact over time," he shared.
What sets the Assembly Hall apart from many other historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City is its strong Chinese cultural and religious influence. It's not only a place of worship for Guan Yu – a historical figure symbolizing loyalty and righteousness – but also a place where the essence of Chinese art from centuries past converges. Every detail, from the horizontal plaques and couplets to the glazed tile roofs and the pairs of stone lion statues, exudes solemnity and distinctive architectural style.
The unique patterns and details reflect the spirit of traditional Chinese art.
This is not only a place of worship for Guan Yu – a historical figure symbolizing loyalty and righteousness – but also a place where the essence of Chinese art from centuries past converges.
Preserving Chinese culture and spirituality in Saigon.
Nghia An Assembly Hall is not simply an architectural structure, but also plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. With rituals such as the worship of Guan Yu, the Nghinh Ong ceremony, and the custom of borrowing blessings from Guan Yu at the beginning of the year, it is not only a religious destination but also a symbol connecting tradition with the present generation.
"I have many Chinese friends in Saigon, and they always mention Nghia An Assembly Hall as an indispensable part of their spiritual life. It's not only a place that preserves traditional rituals but also a unique work of art, a place with a sophisticated combination of wood carving, calligraphy, mosaic, reliefs… all creating a unique architecture that preserves the cultural and spiritual beauty of the Teochew Chinese community in Saigon," Nguyen Minh Duc shared.
At the top is a ceramic statue depicting "Two Dragons Fighting for a Pearl".
Uniqueness in every architectural detail.
For someone who loves beauty and has a refined artistic eye like Nguyen Minh Duc, every detail at Nghia An Assembly Hall is a work of art worth admiring. "The architecture was the first thing that attracted me when I learned about Nghia An Assembly Hall, and that's what I really like about it. The decorative wood carvings on the temple's door frames have impressed me ever since. Each detail has its own meaning, meticulously and skillfully carved, gilded with gold leaf, allowing me to feel the solemnity and reverence of the structure. Furthermore, I can see the incredibly high level of craftsmanship of the artisans of the past," he shared.
The majestic gate, with its exquisite carvings and ornate plaques and couplets, reflects the distinctive style of the Teochew Chinese.
Not only the carvings, but also the glazed tile roofs and the calligraphic couplets in the Assembly Hall evoke images from ancient Chinese films. The colors, spatial layout, and arrangement of worship items all blend together to create an architectural masterpiece with a distinct East Asian character, captivating anyone who loves Chinese culture.
A unique charm amidst a vibrant city.
Unlike many other religious buildings in Vietnam, Nghia An Assembly Hall retains the original character of traditional Chinese architecture. "Here, there is no mixing of styles, no alteration over time, and it still preserves the distinctive features of the Teochew Chinese. This gives the Assembly Hall a very unique value in a culturally diverse city like Saigon," commented Nguyen Minh Duc.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Saigon, this place retains its tranquility, offering a sense of peace to visitors and pilgrims alike.
Thanks to careful attention and preservation, Nghia An Assembly Hall continues to stand as a unique cultural landmark, enriching the city's heritage map. Stepping through its ancient gates, one feels transported to a space steeped in history, where every brick and every pillar tells the stories of previous generations.
Nghia An Assembly Hall is not just a tourist destination, but also a place to experience and understand more about the traditional cultural values of the Chinese community in Saigon – those who have contributed significantly to the city's development over generations. A vibrant living heritage, a symbol of preserving cultural identity, Nghia An Assembly Hall deserves to be a stop for those who love to explore and appreciate long-standing cultural values.
