Quan Cong Temple (Chua Ong) – Honoring the God of Integrity
The Quan Cong Temple, known locally as Chua Ong (Ong Pagoda) or Quan Thanh Mieu, stands as one of the oldest and most spiritually significant sites in Hoi An Ancient Town, now a key heritage area within the expanded Da Nang region. Established in 1653, Chinese immigrants founded the temple to honor General Quan Cong (Guan Yu), a revered military figure from the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China, who embodies the virtues of loyalty, bravery, integrity, and justice.
Today, the temple actively preserves the region’s rich Sino-Vietnamese cultural exchange.
I. History and Cultural Significance
The temple’s enduring presence reflects the powerful influence of Chinese merchants who settled in Hoi An during its peak as a thriving international trading port.
Deity of Virtue: Worshippers honor Quan Cong as a “God of War” but, more accurately, as a spiritual patron of commerce, loyalty, and justice. Consequently, Chinese merchants traditionally visited the temple to swear oaths, establishing business contracts and settling disputes in the deity’s presence. They believed that committing fraud here would provoke divine retribution.
Architecture: The temple showcases a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles, particularly its vibrant use of red, yellow, and green. The structure follows the Chinese character “Quoc” (meaning country) and features a dazzling roof decorated with ceramic pieces, dragons, and the Vietnamese unicorn, the Nghe. Furthermore, the entrance features intricately carved wooden dragons and painted frescos.
National Heritage: The Vietnamese government recognized the temple’s profound historical and cultural value, designating it a National Historic and Cultural Heritage site in 1991.
II. Visitor Logistics and Entry
The temple is centrally located, making it an easy and essential stop on any walking tour.
Location (Address): 24 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Da Nang, Vietnam.
Opening Hours: The temple is generally open daily, usually from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: Tourists generally need to purchase the Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket (typically around 120,000 – 150,000 VND for foreigners). This composite ticket includes access to Quan Cong Temple and four other sites of your choice within the Ancient Town. Therefore, travelers should purchase this ticket at one of the official booths upon entering the heritage zone.
Dress Code: As an active place of worship, the temple requires respectful attire. Specifically, visitors should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.
III. Special Experiences and Rituals
Visitors actively engage in several unique cultural practices at the temple.
Borrowing Blessings: Worshippers participate in the traditional ritual of “borrowing and returning blessings.” Locals take symbolic items or talismans from the temple to request fortune or good health. After their wishes come true, they return the items along with an offering of gratitude.
Red Hare Horse: Inside the main sanctuary, you see a majestic, life-sized statue of Quan Cong’s horse, the famous Red Hare. People believe that crawling beneath the statue’s belly brings good fortune. Thus, many tourists try this unique ritual.
Antiquities: The temple houses several valuable artifacts, including ancient royal decrees, stone steles, and wooden tablets, allowing visitors to glimpse centuries of history.
