Chinese Legacy in Hoi An, Vietnam

devanandpaul
Jul 6
5 min read

Hoi An, a Vietnamese city known for its lanterns and historical buildings, has been greatly influenced by the Hoa people—an ethnic Chinese community in Vietnam, with a population of nearly 1 million—through their business, cuisine, and culture.

Unlike the Chinatowns in Western cities, the Chinese community in Hoi An is not just an enclave but an integral part of the town’s history. Its presence dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Hoi An flourished as a major trading port.

A Legacy Rooted in Southern China

The majority of the Hoa people in Hoi An trace their roots back to Southern China, especially the provinces Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan. The Hoa community is composed of diverse subgroups—Cantonese, Hoochew, Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew—each bringing a distinct language, customs, and traditions.

During Hoi An’s golden era, Chinese merchants arrived and settled, contributing immensely to the city’s prosperity. Their influence can still be seen today in the ancient assembly halls, temples, and shophouses that dot the town’s landscape.

Assembly Halls: The Heart of the Community

One of the most vivid expressions of Chinese heritage in Hoi An is its magnificent assembly halls, each of which was established by a specific Chinese community. They served as gathering places for immigrants, providing support in business, social life, and religious practices.

Today, they are some of the best-preserved examples of traditional Chinese architecture in Vietnam.

Assembly Halls: A Sanctuary of Heritage

While each assembly hall in Hoi An is unique, they all share a common purpose—preserving Chinese traditions. Within their walls, you will often find:

• A space for spiritual reflection—many halls feature grand shrines dedicated to Taoist, Buddhist, or Confucian deities, reflecting the community’s spiritual beliefs.

• A space for ancestral worship—honouring ancestors is important in Chinese culture, and these halls often house ancestral tablets or altars for offerings.

• A space for meetings and social gatherings—historically, assembly halls functioned as venues for business networking, dispute resolution, and community celebrations.

Here are some of Hoi An’s most famous assembly halls.

Quang Trieu Assembly Hall: A Cantonese Legacy

Built in 1885 by Cantonese immigrants from Guangdong, this hall was a sanctuary for those seeking better opportunities.

At its heart stands a temple dedicated to Quan Cong, the Chinese god of war. To the early Cantonese settlers, Quan Cong was a symbol of prosperity and honour, a guiding force in both business and life.

The hall is a testament to architectural brilliance—intricate carvings, crimson pillars, and elaborate ceramic mosaics showcase southern Chinese craftsmanship. A highlight of the hall is its serene traditional garden, where a dragon fountain coils amidst lush greenery, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and good fortune.

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall: A Hidden Gem

Constructed in 1887, this hall is dedicated to the Teochew people from the Chaozhou region of Guangdong.

The first thing that strikes us as we step inside is the exquisite woodwork—a stunning exhibition of Teochew craftsmanship, known for its intricate detail. The quiet ambiance allows visitors to appreciate its delicate wooden reliefs, finely carved altars, and elegant roof decorations. Here, we don’t just see history—we feel it.

Hai Nam Assembly Hall: A Place of Remembrance

Built in 1875 by Hainanese immigrants, Hai Nam Assembly Hall holds a sorrowful tale of mistaken identity, loss, and redemption.

One hundred and eight Chinese traders visiting Hoi An for business were wrongly accused of being pirates and brutally executed. On learning about the grave mistake, Vietnamese emperor Tu Duc sought to right the wrong—he declared them martyrs and granted funds to build this hall to honour their memory.

Compared with some of Hoi An’s more elaborate Chinese halls, this hall is striking in its simplicity.

Minh Huong Communal Hall: A Forgotten Piece of Hoi An’s History

Minh Huong Communal Hall is perhaps the most historical among Hoi An’s assembly halls, yet overlooked.

The Minh Huong people, some of the earliest Chinese immigrants, arrived as traders and refugees. Over time, they assimilated into Vietnamese society, blending Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. Today, they are officially recognized as Vietnamese, but their communal hall stands as a living testament to their dual identity.

Cam Pho Communal House: A Shrine of Survival and Sacred Waters

Cam Pho Communal House is dedicated to goddess Dai Can, linked to rivers and water, alongside ten other gods. Originally built on Cam Nam Island, it was later relocated because of flooding.

There is a famous legend tied to this place—the Dai Can Goddess and the Four Holy Mothers. As the story goes, a princess of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) fled China with her family to escape persecution. They were rescued by Buddhist monks; however, their safety was short-lived. One of the monks tried to harm the princess. She bravely resisted him, and in shame, the monk took his own life.

In a heartbreaking act of loyalty, the women in her group followed the monk into the sea. Later, their bodies were found along the coast of Vietnam.

Touched by their story, the locals built a shrine—Con Temple—in Nghe An Province (Vietnam) to honour them. Today, the Cam Pho Communal House serves as a place of worship and remembrance for these women and their sacrifice.

Influence of Hoa People on Hoi An’s Economy and Culture

The Hoa people have long been a driving force in Hoi An’s economy. As merchants, shipbuilders, and traders, they helped transform the city into an international trading hub. Even today, their legacy continues through family-run businesses—selling silk, ceramics, herbal medicine, and lanterns.

Equally significant are their cultural contributions. Traditional Chinese festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year enliven the town through dragon dances, lantern processions, and ancestral offerings. Also, the city boasts a rich culinary heritage, the result of centuries of cultural blending; for instance, the flavours of Cantonese dim sum, Teochew porridge, and Hokkien noodles have become part of Hoi An’s culinary culture.

A History of Challenges and Resilience

Despite their deep roots, the Hoa people have faced their share of challenges—political shifts, economic changes, and social unrest. Yet, through perseverance and adaptability, they have preserved their heritage while shaping Hoi An’s unique charm .

The Future of Hoi An’s Chinese Community

As Hoi An continues to evolve, the Chinese-Vietnamese community faces the challenge of preserving tradition while embracing modernization. Younger generations are assimilating into Vietnamese society, but many still honour their roots by preserving their historical assembly halls and temples.

If you ever visit Hoi An, wander its ancient streets, step inside an assembly hall, and let history lead you through the lives of those who shaped this town. You won’t just see a city—you’ll experience a story of survival, identity, and cultural harmony.