Sketch Corner: Binh Tay Market

In the late 19th century, the old Cho Lon market was located on the Cho Lon canal (the area of ​​the District 5 Post Office today). Due to the growing trade, Mr. Quach Dam (1863 - 1927; a Teochew man from China) bought 2.5 hectares of land in Binh Tay village and built a new market (called the new Cho Lon market) as a gift to the government.

Sketch by architect Phan Đình Trung

Sketch by architect Phung The Huy

Sketch by Bom, sketcher

The market was inaugurated around 1928, with the participation of the Governor of Cochinchina, Blanchard de Brosse. At this time, Mr. Quách Đàm had already passed away, and his statue was erected in the middle of the market around 1930 (*).

The market has a reinforced concrete structure, using modern construction techniques and Chinese-style architecture. The walls are painted yellow, the roof is covered with yin-yang tiles, and the decorative vents are exquisitely crafted. The main tower stands tall, its front facade featuring an intricately carved ceramic relief of "two dragons guarding a pearl." The main gate of the market faces the Cholon Bus Station, making it convenient for trade.

Octagonal shrine dedicated to Mr. Quách Đàm in the market grounds - sketch by architect Linh Hoàng

Inside the market hall - a sketch by architect Dang Phuoc Tue

The grounds of Binh Tay Market - a sketch by Ngo Quoc Thuan, a student at Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

In 1992, the market was renovated and expanded with two additional rows in 2006 (along Le Tan Ke and Tran Binh streets). In 2015, the market was recognized as an architectural and artistic heritage site.

With nearly 2,400 stalls, the market is a wholesale center for all kinds of goods, attracting over 120,000 foreign visitors annually for sightseeing and shopping.

Sketch by architect Tran Xuan Hong

Sketches by architect Nguyen Khanh Vu

Sketch by architect Bui Hoang Bao

Sketch by architect Nguyen Dang Tuan

(*): The bronze statue, cast in France, is currently housed at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. At the market, traders donated to erect another bust, and they light incense daily to commemorate the person who founded the market and pray for prosperous business.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/goc-ky-hoa-cho-binh-tay-185240127212135455.htm