Finding its genesis as a meeting place for Chinese immigrants from the province of Fujian, the Fujian Assembly Hall was later transformed into a temple to facilitate the worship of a deity by the name of Thien Hau, who is a goddess of the sea and protectoress of sailors. Soak in the splendid influence of Chinese culture on the Vietnamese landscape from a stylish Hoi An hotel affording the traditional Vietnamese hospitality such as the Anantara Hoi An Resort. Opening up an oasis of tranquility for ample relaxation, this Hoi An spa resort is an excellent choice to host your stay. Make the most of your time in the historic district of Hoi An by visiting the Fukian Asselbly Hall, which will provide you with a fascinating glimpse of the region’s Chinese influence. According to legend, the temple was constructed to venerate a statue of the goddess that was found on the beach of Hoi An in 1697. To this day, the assembly hall stands as a fine tribute to the goddess. It boasts a beautifully ornate gate and a picturesque courtyard that are perfect to capture from behind your camera lens. The main hall itself is an area of beauty to behold, as it houses the shrine of the goddess gracefully accompanied by a series of exquisitely carved dragons. Situated behind the primary altar, you will discover statues of the goddess of prosperity, as well as the goddess of fertility, twelve midwives and three fairies. As such, couples who desire to be blessed with children pay a visit to this shrine to pray. The temple complex is replete with a selection of beautiful murals, lacquered boards as well as various paintings that evoke other divinities from Fujian beliefs. Artfully arranged to evoke the Chinese principle of happiness, the assembly hall is a splendid repository of cultural artefacts that must be witnessed firsthand. The assembly hall is also a site that observes a vibrant array of festivals and events that are a treat to experience so make sure you visit this iconic hall when your travels bring you to Hoi An.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
