Ong Temple – A sacred and beautiful temple (2024)

If you have a chance to travel to Can Tho, don’t forget to pay a visit to Ong Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Can Tho. The temple attracts many tourists yearly with its long-standing existence and unique Chinese architecture. Let’s explore the story of the beauty of Ong Temple with us!

The introduction of Ong Temple

Ong Temple is located at Ninh Kieu Wharf, a bustling tourist attraction in Can Tho City. The temple is so sacred that people go there to pray for happiness, wealth, and fortunateness. In addition, many fall in love with its unique architecture and story. It is also called the Canton assembly hall of Can Tho and worships Chinese military leader Kuang Kung (known in Vietnam as Quan Cong).

Where is Ong Temple located?

The address of Ong Temple is 32 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Cantho, and it is usually open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.  The location is very convenient for tourists to visit while strolling around Ninh Kieu Wharf.

The best way to get to Ong Temple

There are many ways to get to the destination. But the most convenient way is to go along Mau Than Street, turn left at the traffic light to 30/4 street. Then, head to Hoa Binh Anue and go to Hai Ba Trung Street in Tan An Ward.

Keep going until you see the red temple on the main street. There is a parking area in front of the gate of the temple for motorbikes, you can park your motorbikes there.

The history of Ong Temple

The temple was built in 1894 with a total area of 532 m2. It took two years to complete the whole construction, named the Canton assembly hall of Can Tho. The Chinese people, moving to Can Tho to start their business, built this temple. They chose a bustling residential area because they wanted to establish a religious place to bless and protect their businesses.

The origin of its name

The pagoda’s original name in Chinese is Quang Trieu Hoi Quan, the Canton assembly hall. Besides, it has other names such as Minh Huong Pagoda and Ong Pagoda. People named it the Canton Assembly Hall because the temple was the meeting of a group of Cantonese Chinese people. They immigrated to Can Tho in the 17th or 18th centuries. Another explanation for the name “Ong Temple” is that people worshipped Guan Yu – a Chinese military general.

Why do people worship Guan Yu?

Guan Gong, also known as Guan Yu, is a famous general in Chinese history. In the past, Quan Cong was one of the five talented generals who contributed greatly to establishing the Shu Han dynasty. With an upright, straightforward, and courteous personality, he always stood up to defend the weak and help them reclaim justice. Therefore, the image of Quan Cong is always associated with loyalty and integrity.

People worship Quan Cong in many places as a protective deity with the desire to repel evil, dispel bad luck, and bring peace and luck to the family. In the article below, we will explain to you the meaning and the most accurate way to worship Quan Cong to bring in lots of fortune.

The Chinese architecture of Ong Temple

Although going through over 120 years, Ong Temple‘s architecture still retains its original beauty. The temple’s appearance stands out with colorful decorations and ancient Chinese architecture. The temple has an enclosed campus with a well and yard in the middle. This style of design allows the temple to receive lots of natural light.

From the whole to every detail, Ong Temple is an architectural work following the unified theory of yin and yang. The temple’s mascot images carry the meaning of praying for the country, people, and long-term prosperity.

The exterior architectural design

The fence

Most Chinese pagodas and temples are surrounded by brick walls, and decorated with symmetrical terracotta reliefs on both sides. From the quiet courtyard to the main hall, there is a row of three grinding stone incense tables, where pilgrims prepare offerings and burn incense before entering to worship.

The temple still stored the bronze bell cast in 1892, which still rings when visitors come to visit the pagoda.

The gate has a typical Chinese design

The gate looks especially outstanding and sophisticated with a typical design of Chinese arts. Although it carries a noticeable color, it remains solemn and sacred. Moreover, the gate is designed with the only entrance and a horizontal lacquered board and red lanterns. This reminds visitors of an ancient Chinese temple.

The roof with sophisticated details and patterns

On the roof of the pagoda is decorated with two dragons flanking the moon, carp turning into dragons, spirit phoenixes, etc. which are symbols of luck and happiness. This is a popular decoration style at Chinese temples and pagodas in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Under the dragons, there is a group of colorful porcelain miniature statues. These are identified as the handmade ceramic art of Chinese artisans of the Qing Dynasty.

The interior architectural design

The front hall

When you walk through the yard, you will see the front hall. There is a folding screen with complex details and patterns.  The name of the temple is written on the wooden board in the middle of the front hall. On the left side, people worshipped Ma Tien General. On the right side, they worship Phuc Duc Chinh Than (also known as Ong Bon).

The sky well

To have light and create ventilation, Ong Temple is arranged with a space on the roof, called Thien Tinh, meaning “sky well”. This is also the place where hundreds of incense sticks are released day and night.

The main hall

The main hall is the most significant part of the temple. People decorate it with many reliefs with a variety of images from Chinese legend and history. The statues of Guan Yu, Dong Vinh, and Tai Bach Tinh Quan are worshipped in the main hall. On the right part, they worship the empress of heaven, Mazu. She is also known as the god of the sea.

Ong Temple displays many pieces of art

Reliefs are placed at many parts of the temple. The quotes from Chinese myth and history are carved into them as reminders for the younger generations. These masterpieces reveal the skillfulness and talents of the artisans.

What to do at Ong Temple

Pray for peace and happiness

Many people from different places visit the temple to resort to the sortilege. The messages inside each sortilege are considered as a prediction so they can guide prayers. Being a sacred temple, Ong Temple attracts many pilgrims and visitors to come and pray for peace, happiness, and wealth every year.

Watch cultural and religious festivals

A great cultural and religious festival takes place on June 24th (Lunar calendar) every year at Ong Temple. There are many interesting activities during the festival, including the lantern competition, lion dance, dragon dance, martial arts competition, etc.

Coming to the Can Tho Ong Pagoda festival, residents and Buddhists all dress up cleanly and magnificently, light incense sticks, and offer offerings to the gods to pray for peace in their families and prosperity in business.

Some notes when visiting Ong Temple in Can Tho

• You should wear proper clothes when visiting temples and pagodas.
• If you are interested in the stories behind this temple, you should pay a visit with a tour guide.

Ref: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%B9a_%C3%94ng