Buzz
Situated amidst the bustling streets, the Hai Chau village temple in Da Nang stands as an ancient relic preserving the history of the coastal city in Central Vietnam. The lively rhythm of the streets seems detached from the ancient moss-covered scenery of the village temple.
Explore the ancient Hai Chau village temple – The oldest temple in Da Nang city.
The Hai Chau village temple is located in the heart of Da Nang city, at alley 48 Phan Chau Trinh, Hai Chau district. According to the genealogy of the Nguyen Van clan, the ancestors established Hai Chau village, originally from Hai Chau village in Thanh Hoa province. Later, they followed King Le Thanh Tong to explore the land, settling in this area at the end of the 15th century.
In the fifth year of Gia Long's reign (1804), the village officials of Hai Chau requested the king to establish a temple to worship Thanh Hoang village and the ancestral spirits of the village. In 1858, the temple was heavily damaged due to the French colonial invasion.
Two years later, the villagers rebuilt the temple on the land that is now Da Nang University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In 1903, the French occupied the temple as a place to treat patients during the smallpox epidemic. A year later, the Hai Chau village temple
However, the villagers believe that the village is heavily afflicted, hence they submitted a petition to King Thanh Thai requesting to rebuild the temple at its current location.
The Hai Chau village temple currently covers an area of 144 square meters, divided into three sections including the main hall, rear altar, and rear chambers. The temple architecture is distributed harmoniously in a solemn atmosphere. All the temple facilities, triple gates, and lotus ponds are arranged along the North-South axis.
The temple area, ancestral house, 43 clan temples, and Lady Temple are arranged along the East-West axis. The temple front faces South, with the main temple in the middle, the ancestral house and Lady Temple on the East side, and the 43 clan temples on the West side.
The rear chambers are connected by wooden frames, intricately carved with evenly distributed ornamental motifs. At the center of the roof truss system, there is a majestic structure with 8 smooth round columns. The 42 clan temples are built in a horizontal style, measuring 11.3m long and 13.7m wide, consisting of three sections and two wings; the roof is covered with yin-yang tiles like the temple, with the words 'Respect and Love Yourself' inscribed at the front, and in front of the temple roof is a lotus pond, rectangular in shape.
Although the village temple has undergone several renovations, it has largely retained its original appearance. Moreover, the temple houses many historical artifacts such as a 1.3m tall bronze bell, 10 gold-plated lacquer panels, 3 stone inscriptions, 6 horizontal lacquered boards, etc. On July 12, 2001, the Hai Chau village temple in Da Nang was designated as a National Historical and Cultural Relic.
In 2009, the Hai Chau village temple festival was expanded on a larger scale, coinciding with the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day, to remind future generations to always remember their ancestors, origins, and the contributions of their predecessors in establishing Hai Chau village.
The village temple not only fulfills the spiritual needs of the locals and tourists but also preserves classical architecture with ancient beauty. Visiting the Hai Chau village temple is a journey to a tranquil green space in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Hai Chau village temple in Da Nang is gradually becoming a religious destination for travelers everywhere. Contact Mytour to book a Da Nang tour at a great price and get the chance to visit the village temple with incredible discounts. And don't forget to follow our blog for useful updates!
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
