1. Where is Hainan Assembly Hall? How to get there?
Hainan Assembly Hall, also known as Hai Nam Pagoda or Quynh Phu Assembly Hall, is located at 10 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An. As one of the five assembly halls built by the Chinese community for worship and social activities, it became an official tourist site in 2016.
Situated in Hoi An Ancient Town, the assembly hall is easy to find. From the Japanese Bridge, simply walk along Tran Phu Street for about 10 minutes and you will see the hall on your left.
2. Things to know about Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An
Hainan Assembly Hall is an important cultural attraction in Hoi An, providing insights into the vibrant heritage of the Hainanese community in Vietnam.
2.1. History
Established in 1875 by Hainanese immigrants, Hainan Assembly Hall was built to commemorate victims of a tragic event during the era of Lord Nguyen Hoang. Its origins are linked to a grim incident where 108 individuals from an unfamiliar merchant ship were mistakenly executed by local officials, who thought the ship was a pirate vessel. It wasn’t until 1851 that the Hainanese community sought justice from King Tu Duc, requesting a royal decree to rectify the injustice and establish a shrine in memory of the victims. Over time, as the Hainanese community grew in Hoi An, they replaced the original shrine with a new assembly hall, naming it Hainan Assembly Hall.
2.2. Architecture
Hainan Assembly Hall was built in traditional Chinese architectural style. The layout includes a main house, two side houses, a front courtyard, and a rear courtyard, all carefully designed to create a space that is both solemn and inviting.
The main house contains a wooden altar adorned with red lacquers depicting the three realms of Sky, Earth, and Sea. At the altar, there is a tablet honoring the 108 spirits who were posthumously recognized by King Tu Duc as "Nghia Liet Chieu Ung."
From the main house, the left-side house is dedicated to the God of Wealth, while the right-side house honors the Ancestors, symbolizing the community's hopes for prosperity and protection from their forebears.
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3. What to do on your visit to Hainan Assembly Hall?
When exploring Hainan Assembly Hall, visitors can enrich their experience with a variety of engaging activities.
3.1. Explore culture through architectural highlights
At Hainan Assembly Hall, you can immerse yourself in the cultural essence of the Chinese community in Vietnam. This historical site offers a captivating exploration of traditional Chinese architecture. The hall's ornate carvings and intricate designs embody the artistry of the Hainanese people. The vibrant murals and decorative elements provide a glimpse into their culture. As you wander through the hall, take the time to appreciate the serene atmosphere here. It provides an ideal setting for quiet contemplation and photography.
3.2. Visit other assembly halls nearby
After your visit to Hainan Assembly Hall, consider exploring other nearby assembly halls along Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Duy Hieu Street. Each of these sites provides unique insights into different Chinese communities:
- Fujian Assembly Hall: As the largest and oldest assembly hall in Hoi An, dating back to the 1690s, Fujian Assembly Hall was established by the first six Fujian clans in the area. It features a beautifully tiled walkway leading to a grand entrance and main hall, surrounded by two lovely courtyards.
- Cantonese Assembly Hall: Situated next to the iconic Japanese Bridge, Cantonese Assembly Hall is dedicated to Guan Gong, a revered general in Chinese history. It features traditional yin-yang roof tiles and wooden structures, with incense coils and peace banners hanging from the ceiling.
- Ngu Bang Assembly Hall: Unlike the other halls, Ngu Bang Assembly Hall is a gathering place for all Chinese residents in Hoi An regardless of their regional origins. It hosts community activities and Chinese classes, making it a center for cultural engagement.
- Trieu Chau Assembly Hall: Located just a few steps away from Hoi An Market, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall is one of the quieter ones in the town. Inside, you will find intricate wood carvings, decorative bas-reliefs, and colorful glass paintings on the doors.
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4. How much does it cost to visit Hainan Assembly Hall?
Entrance to Hoi An Ancient Town is free. However, if you wish to explore some attractions within the town, including Hainan Assembly Hall, you will need to purchase a ticket. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: 120,000 VND
- Children between 1m and 1.4m tall: 50,000 VND
- Children under 1m tall: Free of charge
With this ticket, you can visit 3 out of the 21 designated attractions in Hoi An.
*Note: These ticket prices are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.
5. When is the best time to visit Hainan Assembly Hall?
Annually, the Hainanese community in Hoi An and elsewhere gathers for ceremonies on the 2nd day of the first lunar month and the 15th day of the sixth lunar month. Additionally, the hall hosts various rituals, such as offering to ancestors and praying for peace, during the Lunar New Year. You can plan your visit around these occasions to engage in traditional celebrations and cultural practices.
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6. Important notes while visiting Hainan Assembly Hall
If you are planning a visit to Hainan Assembly Hall, keep these notes in mind to ensure a smooth experience:
- Opt for elegant, understated clothing and avoid short dresses or tight jeans. Keep makeup light to respect the sacred nature of the hall.
- To preserve the peaceful ambiance, refrain from speaking loudly or engaging in playful behavior within the hall.
- Bring essentials like an umbrella, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and make it easier to explore nearby attractions.
Hainan Assembly Hall stands as a captivating testament to Vietnam's heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural elegance and historical significance of the region. The intricate design and historical relevance makes Hainan Assembly Hall a must-see for anyone seeking to experience the depth of Vietnam's cultural legacy.
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