Buzz
Hải Châu Village Temple is a popular destination in Đà Nẵng, drawing many visitors. It stands as the oldest temple in the city, a recognized historical site. Formerly known as Chùa Phước Hải, it served as a resting place for Lord Nguyễn Phúc Chu in the year Kỷ Hợi (1719) during his journey to Quảng Nam. Subsequently, the villagers established an altar in his honor at this location.
The Ancient Temple of Đà Nẵng
Hải Châu Village Temple, a Đà Nẵng exploration site, is located at 42 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hải Châu 1 Ward, Hải Châu District. Designated as a national historical and cultural site in Đà Nẵng, it is an impressive spot for exploring Đà Nẵng. The entrance of the temple retains the original inscription in Chinese characters, reading “Hải Châu Chính Xã” (Hải Châu Main Village).
The Hải Châu Complex encompasses the primary architectural structures within a vast 3,500m2 area, including Hải Châu Temple, Tiền Hiền Church, Chu Clan Ancestral Hall, and Bà Temple. In front of the temple, there is a water pond adorned with a scenic miniature mountain shaded by ancient silk trees.
The left church belongs to the Nguyễn Văn clan, while the right church venerates the 42 deities representing 42 clans. All these clans migrated from Thanh Hóa under the reign of King Lê Thánh Tôn in the south, starting from the year Tân Mão (1471). King Lê established Hàn Giang hamlet (later Đà Nẵng), and these clans gathered to form Hải Châu Village, granted the title “Chính xã” by the Nguyễn dynasty. This is the foundational origin of the Đà Nẵng exploration site as it stands today.
Within the temple, numerous ornate horizontal lacquered boards, couplets, and parallel sentences in golden Han characters date back centuries. There are 9 horizontal boards and 2 pairs of wooden parallel sentences, all intricately carved with high artistic value.
Historians have identified Hải Châu Temple at the tourist destination in Đà Nẵng as Chùa Phước Hải. In 1719, Lord Nguyễn Phúc Chu rested here during his journey to Quảng Nam. Subsequently, the locals erected a shrine in his honor at this location.
On the loft of Hải Châu bell tower, rests a bronze bell adorned with intricate Han characters, chronicling historical milestones of the temple. In summary: In the 5th year of Minh Mạng's reign (1842), the temple underwent restoration. In 1825, the king bestowed the name 'Chùa Phước Hải,' and in the 13th year of Minh Mạng's reign (1832), on an auspicious day, the Hải Châu Chánh Đồng commune cast this bell.
A destination for travelers seeking cultural and historical values
When exploring Hải Châu Village Temple – a tourist destination in Đà Nẵng, visitors will discover a space of tranquility and serenity. Stepping into the temple's courtyard, with a history spanning over 500 years, featuring ancient church architecture, shaded by centuries-old trees, and the resonating sound of bells, you'll forget the hustle and bustle of life for moments of peace.
Especially, the Hải Châu Village Temple Festival is organized annually on the 10th of March in the lunar calendar, coinciding with the traditional memorial day of Hùng Vương. This grand festival at the exploration site in Đà Nẵng includes solemn ceremonies, ritual proceedings, and venerable elders representing the descendants of the Lê, Trần, Nguyễn, Phạm, Phan, and Đặng clans presiding over the main rituals, adhering to the traditional customs of temple worship.
The Festival segment is more enticing, dramatic, and lively than ever: Featuring cultural contests, folk singing and dancing, chess competitions, making traditional square sticky rice cakes, classical Tuồng art performances, hô bài chòi (a traditional game), tug-of-war, stick pushing, and chess challenges.
Organizing the Hải Châu Village Temple Festival annually since 2009 plays a crucial role as a solid foundation for maintaining lively and culturally rich folk festivals. It contributes to preserving and promoting the cultural values of the ethnic community, while also playing a part in fostering the development of tourism in Đà Nẵng.
Exploring Đà Nẵng, visiting Hải Châu Village Temple promises to be an exceptional experience in your travel journey.
