Quan Am Pagoda or On Lang Assembly Hall: A Unique Cultural Heritage of the Chinese Community in Ho Chi Minh City

Quan Am Pagoda, also known as On Lang Assembly Hall, is one of the special cultural relics of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. This place is not only a pagoda with unique architecture but also a repository of the historical and spiritual values ​​of the Fujian Chinese.

1. On Lang Assembly Hall – A Unique Cultural Heritage

Located at 12 Lao Tu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, On Lang Assembly Hall is not only a religious destination but also a vibrant museum where you can explore a part of the cultural heritage of the Chinese in old Saigon. The hall attracts not only locals but also many international visitors who come to admire the architectural beauty and enjoy the peaceful, ancient atmosphere.

2. The Name “Assembly Hall” – A Historical Mark

In the late 17th century, a group of Chinese from Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province (China) migrated to Saigon - Cholon. Despite facing many initial difficulties, they gradually stabilized their lives and decided to build a place of worship. In 1740, this community built the On Lang Assembly Hall to worship Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the goddess protecting fishermen and those working far from home.

The name "On Lang" in Chinese means "warm and pleasant," reflecting the characteristic climate of Quanzhou, after which the hall is named. Besides Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the hall also worships Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, hence On Lang is also known as "Thien Hau Pagoda" or "Quan Am Pagoda." This is a familiar address for those seeking peace and luck.

3. Unique Architecture – Essence of the Chinese

Upon setting foot in On Lang Assembly Hall, you will be immediately impressed by the distinctive architectural beauty imbued with the style of ancient Chinese temples. Covering an area of ​​1,800 square meters, the hall boasts a spacious layout with harmoniously arranged halls, honoring ancient beauty and creating a solemn and serene ambiance.

The curved tile roof and intricate carvings, from ceramic statues to images of unicorns and phoenixes, are typical features of Fujian style. This is truly an architectural masterpiece, a must-visit for anyone who loves traditional beauty and sophisticated construction art.

The front hall worships Thien Hau Thanh Mau, along with Phuoc Duc Chinh Than (local Earth God, who is believed to protect our homes and bring us good luck) and Ba Chua Thai Sinh (The Three Goddesses who protect pregnant women), places for praying for peace and prosperity. The rear hall worships Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara and other important deities such as: Guan Yu, Bao Zheng, Cheng Huang, and Tuong Dan Lao Gia. Additionally, the hall also venerates many folk deities like: Te Thien Dai Thanh, Wenchang Dijun, the 18 Arhats, Dia Mau Nuong Nuong, and Thien Phu Gia Gia.

A notable highlight of the hall is the courtyard (sky well), which is spacious and airy, providing a peaceful and tranquil space for visitors. The exquisite bas-reliefs and red lacquered, gold-inlaid horizontal boards further enhance the majestic and sacred beauty of the temple. Notably, the large bell cast in 1825 with the inscription "Dao Quang At Dau Nien" mean "The year of the Metal Rooster during the Dao Quang reign"; is one of the valuable artifacts preserved by the hall, reflecting the cultural and historical beauty of the Qing Dynasty era.

4. Releasing Life Pond – Natural Beauty Amidst the City

A special feature of On Lang Assembly Hall is the releasing life pond located opposite, across Lao Tu Street. According to Feng Shui principles, there should be a pond or lake in front of the temple to accumulate energy and create spiritual vitality for the place of worship. Therefore, in 1809, the hall's management built a fish releasing pond in front of the hall, across the street. Despite being located in the bustling Cho Lon area, the releasing life pond provides a fresh space, adding a peaceful natural touch to the city center. Here, visitors can relax, enjoy fresh air, and immerse themselves in the serene environment of the hall.

5. Festivals and Unique Customs

Every year, On Lang Assembly Hall celebrates Quan Am festivals on the 19th of the 6th lunar month (main festival) and the 19th of the 2nd and 11th lunar months (two secondary festivals). These are important occasions for the Chinese community to pray for peace, health, and prosperity.

A special custom at the hall is the "hitting the villain" ritual on Jing Zhe Day, usually held on March 5-6, before the Tiger God altar. This custom symbolizes the expulsion of bad luck and brings good fortune and prosperity to everyone.

6. Conclusion

On Lang Assembly Hall is not only a religious site but also an important historical and architectural monument, recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national architectural art relic since 2004.
On Lang Assembly Hall is a great place to explore not only the beliefs of the Chinese community in Vietnam but also where you can admire unique architecture, participate in festivals, and enjoy a serene environment.
When visiting this place, you will not only find peace but also feel the culture and historical intersection, elements that create the charm of a special cultural relic in Ho Chi Minh City.

Visitor Information:
• Address: 12 Lao Tu, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 6 AM - 5 PM daily.
• Visiting Tips: When entering the pagoda, dress respectfully, keep quiet, and respect the sacred space.
Nearby Attractions:
• Cho Lon: A famous shopping and culinary center in District 5.
• Cha Tam Church: A religious building reflecting the cultural blend of Vietnam and China.
• Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street: Especially lively during the Tet holidays, a great place to experience Chinese culture.