Hoi An Old Town – an ancient beauty still exists in modern life (part 1)

There are precious few places where can keep ancient architectures as much as Hoi An Old Town. Visiting to Hoi An Old Town, visitors can enjoy not only classical architectures but also interesting festival held by the local people. There are 8 places in Hoi An tourists should visit when coming to Hoi An Old Town.

1. Bridge pagoda (Japanese – Covered Bridge)

A beautiful view at Bridge Pagoda

Japanese – Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the Japanese, shining like a pearl in the centre of Hoi An. It is a wonderful combination of the style of architecture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Westerners. In the 1590s, Japanese came to Hoi An and built Japanese – Covered Bridge for developing their business. In 1637, Japanese left Hoi An, Japanese – Covered Bridge were downgraded, so the people in Hoi An took over it. Then, the king of Vietnam built a temple next to this bridge for worship. The name of this bridge changed from Japanese – Covered Bridge to Bridge pagoda. Japanese also put a monkey statue and a do statue to protect Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese from monster caused earthquake. In the morning, its walls have pinkish, but when in the evening, they twinkle with many colorful lights.

2. Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall

The gate of Fujian Assembly Hall

This assembly hall was built by a group of Phuoc Kien people (Chinese) when they came to Hoi An for a living in 1759. Hoi An has 5 assembly halls set up by many Chinese groups but the Fujian hall is the most popular with tourists. A precursor of this assembly hall was a small temple which worshiped Thien Hau – the goddess who recuses sailors from stormy seas. With a lot of restoration and a lot of spiritual festival held by the local people, Fujian assembly hall becomes more splendid and attracts many domestics and foreign travelers every year.

3. Assembly Hall of Chaozhou Chinese Congregation

The front of Assembly Hall of Chaozhou Congregation

This assembly hall was built by Chaozhou people (Chinese) to worship general Ma Van – the goddess who can control the stormy seas, help businessmen’s business be in smooth waters. Assembly Hall of Chaozhou Chinese Congregation is prominent with the special architecture and patterns made of wood. It also featured beautiful porcelains which were skillfully made by the ancients.

4. Cantonese Chinese Assembly Hall (Guangdong Assembly Hall)

Inside Cantonese Chinese Assembly Hall

It is also other assembly hall which established by Chinese. Beautiful granite columns supporting the entrance makes this assembly hall’s architecture become new-fangled. This assembly hall is used for worship general Quan Cong – the talented general of Chinese.

Have a nice day!
By Vietnam-evisa.org team