The Fujian Assembly Hall is one of Chinese assembly halls and temples in Hoi An Old Town. It’s built and has been used by Fujian people who migrated to the town some hundreds of years ago. Here, their community worships Mazu or Thien Hau (known as ‘Goddess of Sea’ in English) who blesses safe travels on the sea. As the largest Chinese heritage building, this hall has majestic monuments, attracting many visitors. Now, HoiAn Day Trip Company will tell you everything that you need to know about Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An.
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• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 46 Tran Phu street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Assembly Hall of Chinese Fujian Congregation, Ba Pagoda, Hokkien Assembly Hall, Thien Hau Shrine, Hoi quan Phuc (Phuoc) Kien
– Opening hours: 7 AM to 6 PM everyday
– Year of construction: 1757
– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adult & children above 15 years old, free for smaller kids (see more details)
– Reason(s) to visit: the largest Chinese assembly hall in Hoi An, a famous Instagram spot, sophisticated wood carvings & decorations
– Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
– Time to spend: 30-60 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/fujian-assembly-hall-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): national monument (11/1989), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: yes available
Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi An) on Map
History of Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An
The Fujian Assembly Hall of Hoi An was constructed in 1757 by the community of Chinese people who originate from Fujian, a coastal province in Southern China. It’s largely restored in 1970 and 1974. Before its establishment, Vietnamese people built a Buddhist temple in the same location. According to folklore, they saw a Buddha statue which was washed ashore by river water not far away. In which, lots of gold and silver were seen. After that, people sold them to buy wood to build a pagoda. Name of the pagoda was ‘Kim Son Tu’, meaning ‘Golden Mountain temple’. Later, the Fujian community bought the piece of land, and used it to construct their own assembly hall.
At the Fujian Assembly Hall, the community has been worshipping Thien Hau Goddess (or Mazu, Holy Heavenly Mother, Goddess of Sea) as the main deity. This goddess is not only patron saint for the Fujian congregation alone, but also all Chinese congregations in town. That’s why she is also honored at the Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, the most important place for local Chinese people. The largest festival of the year will take place on her day of death at both assembly halls.
According to the legend, she was borned in a fishing village in Fujian province in the 10th century. With her talent in knowing things which would happen in the future, she dedicated her life to helping people in her hometown. One day, she passed away while rescuing survivors in a shipwreck. Later, people built temples to worship her and Chinese emperors gave them powerful titles, such as the Queen/Empress of the Heaven. After the Chinese diaspora moved to Southeast Asia, this belief was spread across the region, including Vietnam. Today, there are about 5,000 Thien Hau temples in the world. In 2009, ‘Mazu belief and custom’ became a Unesco intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
In the Fujian Assembly Hall, the community also honors the Six Generals (Vietnamese: Luc Tanh Vuong Gia). They are six military generals who kept the loyalty to the Ming dynasty in China, including Kham Vuong, Truong Vuong, Thuan Vuong, Chu Vuong, Hoang Vuong and Thap Tam Vuong. In the 17th century, they led a rebellion against the Qing dynasty and then died. Because all of them are borned in Fujian province, therefore the Chinese Fujian people have worshipped them at many places.
During the year, there are 3 important ceremonies (events) happening in the Fujian Assembly Hall of Hoi An.
Architecture of Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An
Within an area of 2,500 m2, the Fujian Assembly Hall of Hoi An has a grand and majestic architecture. It has an outer gate, three-arched gate, main worshipping hall (main palace), the back worshipping hall (back palace), the East house, the West house, and four courtyards between main buildings.
The Outer Gate is right on Tran Phu St. It has one entrance, with the name board above (four Chinese words mean ‘Assembly Hall of Chinese Fujian Congregation’) and a tile roof, with zoomorphic ornaments sitting along its ridges. Inwards and to the left/right, visitors need to show ‘Hoi An Old Town ticket’ to continue visiting.
After this gate, there is a spacious yard with two levels. On the lower level, to the left, a statue of five carps jumping over a flower-shaped pond, with the sun and clouds as backdrops. In Chinese culture, the carp symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity.
On the upper level of the first yard, the Three-arched Gate (or Main Gate, Triple Gate) is very impressive. It owns two storeys, three entrances, and eight tile roofs. Thanks to its rich decoration and grandeur, this building attracts many visitors coming to take pictures, becoming one of the most Instagrammable places in Hoi An. In the front yard, can find an incense urn and two guardian lions.
Across a courtyard filled with ornamental trees and flowers (apricot, Taiwanese lily, champa flower, bougainvillea), there is the Inner Gate (or the Entrance Hall). It has one entrance in the middle, protected by two red-lacquered ironwood doors, each has one dragon head knocker (holding a ring in the mouth). On them, 4 Chinese words mean ‘the country prospers, the people at peace’. Near the roof, intricate wood carvings portray people, animals and plants. All three roofs of the building are covered by tiles, and decorated by dragons and the sun along their ridges.
Inwards and to the left, it’s possible to see a painting depicting the Six Generals riding the horse to attack a citadel (considered as Fujian ‘ancestors’). To the right, the painting depicts Thien Hau Goddess and her fairy holding a lamp, try to rescue a ship in the wavy and stormy sea. This is the patron saint of Fujian people and all Chinese communities in Hoi An.
Before see the Main Worshipping Hall, visitors will see many hanging circular incense, paired with a yellow paper on which personal information and wishes of the prayer are written. Under the covered walkway, there are some sets of tables and chairs where people take a break and enjoy a sense of solemnity.
The East house and the West house, two large ‘Happy’ words are hung, besides paintings, photos about the community’s activities and visits of politicians (including Ju Jintao, president of China from 2003 to 2013).
At the Main Worshipping Hall, the statue of Thien Hau Goddess is placed in the centre, accompanied by two fairy servants. Other smaller statues are put around as donating gifts from prayers. In the front of her altar, there is a pedestal (called ‘dragon gate’) featuring beautiful wood carvings and a statue of Guanyin (Lady Buddha or Goddess of Mercy or Sea Protector). At both sides, guardians include Thien Ly Nhan (or the All Hearing) and Thuan Phong Nhi (or the All Hearing). Closely, visitors can see temple representatives to give donation, leave personal information. On the walls, . Similar to other Chinese assembly halls, a model of wooden boat will be displayed, recalling the way ancestors of the community migrated to Vietnam.
Behind the Main Hall, there is the Back Hall where people worship the Six Generals (middle), the God of Wealth (left), and the Twelves Midwives or Ba Mu (right). In the front courtyard, visitors can see one dragon rising up from a small golden carp pond. It reminds of ‘carp turning into dragon’ in Chinese mythology (same meaning to the Carp Dragon Statue in Da Nang). The connecting houses between main halls accommodate the altar to honor ancestors and successors of the community.
Behind the Back Hall, there is a yard and garden.
Festival & Events at the Fujian Assembly Hall
The biggest festival in the Fujian Assembly Hall is to commemorate the Mazu goddess on her day of death (Vietnamese: le via Thien Hau Thanh Mau). It takes place on the 23rd day of the 3rd month in the lunar calendar every year. On the day before (22nd day), the community members will clean up the temple and objects within it, especially the statue of the goddess. Flowers and vegetarian food are then placed on the altars. On the main festival day, one of the elders is the host. He represents the community to give the offsprings to her (such as roasted pig, stir-fried noodles, steam buns, brewed duck, joss papers, candles, incense sticks, flowers, etc). The holy time is 9 to 10 am. In later hours, visitors are allowed to walk inside and pray.
Another important ceremony at the Fujian Assembly Hall is on the 16th day of the second month (Vietnamese/Chinese lunar calendar). This commemorates the Six Generals on their day of death (Vietnamese: le via Luc Tanh Vuong Gia). In the afternoon of the day before (15th day), community members come to clean up the temple and prepare flowers, lanterns, and vegetarian food. The next day – the festival date, from 9 to 10 am, the ceremonial host beats the drum 3 times, plants incense sticks to start the ceremonies (by Fujian speaking dialect, not Vietnamese).
Commemoration of the 12 Midwives (Ba Mu) is another ceremony. It occurs on the first day of the 2nd month in the lunar calendar. Pregnants come to the Fujian Assembly Hall on this day to pray for safe giving birth, mothers will pray for healthy babies, and infertile persons will pray for pregnancy. In the end of the ceremonies, kids in the community have candies and cakes. Worship of the Twelve Midwives was in Ba Mu Temple once its collapse in war times.
Tips to Visit Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town and then sightsee Fujian Assembly Hall. The nearest ticket booth is in crossroad of Nguyen Hue Street and Phan Chu Trinh Street. The price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years ago. See more information & details
– Fujian Assembly Hall is a temple, so visitors need to wear respectfully if want to walk into it for visiting/praying. See more information & details below.
– Vietnamese traditional costume ao dai dress is highly recommended. Any garment made of see-through material is not respectful.
– Fujian Assembly Hall is one of best Ingrammable spots in Hoi An.
– In the dry season, from February to the end of August, visitors should bring sun cream, hat/cap/umbrella, sun glasses, and bottles of water to drink. If don’t have, it’s easy to buy at shops near Fujian Assembly Hall of Hoi An.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast usually when traveling during this period.
– From October to December (the rainy season), the town may be flooded, so visitors need to keep updating the weather before going to Hoi An.
– The best way to visit the Hoi An Old Town is walking, so make sure that you have good/comfortable shoes or sandals.
– Smartphone or camera is needed for taking pictures. For more experiences, visitors can consider renting Vietnamese traditional costume (for example, ao dai long dress for ladies) or even booking a private photographer (contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need).
– Don’t forget bringing cash to pay for entry fee tickets and small things because many places in Vietnam don’t accept payment by cards.
– It’s better to visit Fujian Assembly Hall with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need a professional guide in Hoi An.
Dress Code at Fujian Assembly Hall of Hoi An
Although there is no dress code checking at the Cantonese Assembly Hall, to respect gods and local culture, we suggest wearing long clothes while visiting. The pieces should cover the armpits, navel, upper knees and shouldn’t be see-through or too sexy. It also means that shorts, tank top, swimsuits, etc are not appropriate. If visiting on a hot day, visitors can use a long piece of fabric (such as swimwear wrap) to cover and go around, and take it off after leaving the temple.
During the rainy season, before walking in the worshipping buidlings, please remove hat, cap, umbrella, sun glasses and rain poncho/jacket.
All religions, genders and nationalities are welcomed. Taking photos is okay here too.
How to Get to Hoi An’s Fujian Assembly Hall
Fujian Assembly Hall of Hoi An is within the Hoi An Ancient Town as well as Hoi An pedestrian area & walking streets. From 9 to 11:30 AM and from 3 to 9:30 PM, the street leading to this place, Tran Phu street, is closed for motorbikes (and always cars).
If staying in the hotel within areas of Minh An, Son Phong and Cam Pho areas, visitors just need to walk to the Ancient Town and then Fujian Assembly Hall. It’s possible to ride the bicycle too. The bike is usually free to use at the hotel (please check when come or contact in advance). Unless, one time/one day rental is just around 50,000 VND.
If can not walk too much, visitors should consider using a rickshaw/cyclo ride to get around the Old Town and stop at Fujian Assembly Hall to sightsee. Rickshaws are available only in the Old Town.
If go to the town by car/taxi or electric car, the drive is not more than 20 mins if visitors stay inside Hoi An (except Tan Hiep and Cam Kim communes). Taxi fare is metered, about 15,000-20,000 VND/meter, but the electric car will charge per kilometer and per person.
Some beach resorts and luxury hotels provide free shuttle bus to the Old Town, so visitors can use it to go to the Old Town, and then just walk to Fujian Assembly Hall.
If want to ride the motorcycle, one day rental at local shops ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND/bike. Helmet is given for free, but it’s not free for gasoline (around 20,000 VND/liter). Before 9 AM or from 11:30 AM to 3 PM, visitors can ride it directly to the Hall, and then just park somewhere near its entrance. In other hours, please go to the Hoi An Central Market and park there. After that, it’s needed to walk for 2-3 mins to see the Hall (via Tran Phu street). From Da Nang, the best route to Hoi An is the coastal road.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit near Cantonese Assembly Hall in Hoi An
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Cantonese Assembly Hall in Hoi An:
