According to historical records, around the 17th century, when the Qing Dynasty replaced the Ming Dynasty in China, many Chinese who refused to live under the new regime migrated to Vietnam, seeking permission from the local authorities to settle and become Vietnamese citizens. In this context, Hue was a significant area receiving numerous clans from the southern coastal regions of China.
When Hue became the capital under the Nguyen dynasty, the Chinese community concentrated in the eastern part of the citadel for easier business and livelihood. Their inherent dynamism and diligence, coupled with the court's sound trade policies, led to significant prosperity for the Chinese community there.
Alongside the official class, intellectuals, monks, laborers, and craftsmen, there was a large presence of merchants. Therefore, they established community halls within their respective localities to exchange business information, share cultural experiences, and worship their ancestors. These architectural structures brought a new color and a fresh cultural breath to the imperial capital of Hue, a legacy that continues to this day.
The Hainanese Assembly Hall (also known as the Quynh Phu Assembly Hall) is dedicated to Lady Ma Chau and is located at the corner of Ho Xuan Huong and Chi Lang streets. She is a spiritual figure of the Chinese community, often appearing to help fishermen during difficult sea voyages.
The Chaozhou Assembly Hall – a very grand building – is the largest and richest cultural center compared to other Chinese assembly halls.
Next to it is the Fujian Assembly Hall, believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Tự Đức. According to some observers, although the building's architecture is very elaborate, majestic, and magnificent, it has been significantly altered from the original. It houses a shrine dedicated to Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, traditionally believed to be an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who helped merchants navigate the stormy seas safely for trade and business.
The Guangzhao Assembly Hall is run by the Chinese community from the Zhaoqing area of Guangdong province. The hall is dedicated to Guan Yu, a general from the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. He is popularly regarded as a symbol of chivalry, righteousness, and loyalty.
This assembly hall is also quite well-preserved, retaining its former beauty. The four characters at the main gate leading to the front hall read "National Prosperity - People's Peace". The horizontal plaques and couplets in the assembly hall reflect the philosophies of life of many generations throughout the ages.
The most important highlight on this ancient street is the Chiêu Ứng Temple – an ancient temple with rare and ornate architecture of the Hainanese Chinese. The entire facade of the main gate of the temple is made of wood and painted in magnificent red and gold.
The temple is situated within a relatively large compound, exquisitely and lavishly decorated by artisans from Hainan Island in China, featuring paintings and motifs deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Above the gate is a plaque inscribed with three Chinese characters: "Chiêu Ứng Từ".
Although these assembly halls have largely retained their original antique appearance after 200 years, the Chi Lang - Gia Hoi old town remains deserted, with its doors locked and bolted shut, far inferior to other tourist assembly halls in Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City.
Hopefully, in the not too distant future, Hue will develop a well-planned tourist route with tour guides and a comprehensive information system so that all visitors can enter the assembly halls to admire and fully understand these fascinating cultural and historical values.
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/doc-dao-hoi-quan-nguoi-hoa-giua-long-co-do-hue
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