Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation
Visit Hoi An's ancient old town and enjoy the beautiful gardens and opulent architecture of its largest assembly hall.
The magnificent Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation is the largest and grandest of the five remaining assembly halls in Hoi An. Originally built as a place for Fujianese immigrants to socialize and trade, it was later transformed into a temple to Thien Hau, their goddess of the sea. The cultural attraction is also the scene of a number of important festivities throughout the year, including the birthday celebrations of the goddess.
Enter the assembly hall through its ornate triple stone gate. This takes you into a courtyard of statues, ornamental plants and a dragon fountain. As you stroll through the complex, look for the animal themes in its murals, carvings and other works of art. Each animal has a different meaning. For example, dragons symbolize power and turtles symbolize longevity.
Browse paintings and murals that feature episodes from Fujian mythology and history. Admire the architecture with its rich use of colors, decorative motifs and carvings.
The main hall is the largest room in the congregation. Step in and go up to the statue of Thien Hau sitting in meditation. Admire the figures to her left and right of deities associated with thousand-mile hearing and thousand-mile vision. See statues of the goddess of fertility and 12 midwives who are said to bestow skills on newborns, such as eating and smiling. Many childless couples come here to pray for fertility and leave an offering of fresh fruit.
There are also statues of the heads of the six Fujian families who built the assembly hall in the late 17th century. They fled here from China following the fall of the Ming Dynasty.
The Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation is located in Hoi An’s ancient old town, close to the city's other assembly halls. You can visit on any day of the week, from morning until the evening and admission is free.