Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site: Ông Bắc Pagoda (Cantonese Provincial Assembly Hall), Mỹ Long Ward - Long Xuyên City

 

        Cantonese Provincial Assembly Hall, commonly known as Ông Bắc Pagoda or Northern Emperor Temple, is an architectural and artistic heritage site located in Mỹ Long Ward, Long Xuyên City (on Phạm Hồng Thái Street near Duy Tân Bridge). This assembly hall was established by the Chinese community who migrated from Guangdong Province and settled in the area, coming together to build the hall as a symbol of ethnic solidarity. The hall provided a place for communal activities during lunar festivals and ancestor worship ceremonies, where people shared joys, sorrows, and visited each other.

        Today, the hall mainly serves as a place for the Chinese community to worship the Northern Emperor.

        Cantonese Provincial Assembly Hall is a representative cultural heritage site featuring unique architectural styles preserved in the province. Despite over a century and numerous repairs, the hall retains its original state with materials such as wooden columns, beams, and stone doors. It houses valuable artifacts over a hundred years old, including three inscriptions commemorating those who contributed to the hall's construction and repairs. These inscriptions hold significant value for linguistics and Sino-Vietnamese studies. Other noteworthy artifacts include bronze bells, iron incense burners, and three worshiping shrines, especially the Three Worlds carved screen, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural styles.

        Quảng Đông Provincial Assembly Hall is designed in the shape of the Chinese character "國" (/guó/ - Nation), covering an area of about 400m². Upon entering through the grand three-arched gate, one crosses a courtyard to reach the main entrance of the hall, which is made of granite and connected to a 30 cm thick wall. Above the door is the inscription "Cantonese         Provincial Assembly Hall" in Chinese characters. Connecting the front hall and the Northern Emperor chamber are two parallel covered walkways. The central area features a pavilion, which serves as a place for guests to relax after discussions at the main hall (used for Northern Emperor worship). Flanking the pavilion are two moon-shaped doorways leading to the east and west wings, housing the incense room and storeroom (Thiên Hương on the left and Sự Tế on the right), which were traditionally private rooms for the hall's owners and their families.

        Inside the hall, the layout and decorations are meticulously arranged. Upon entering, one first encounters the front hall where there is a shrine dedicated to Hồ Chí Minh. On the left wall are three stone inscriptions, and across the corridor is an ancient bronze bell with clearly embossed Chinese characters. In front of the statue stands a cast iron incense burner predating the hall's renovation in 1950. The main sanctuary of the hall is dedicated to the Northern Emperor, with side altars for Guan Yu (Lord Guan) and Mazu (Heavenly Empress).

        Above the Northern Emperor altar are carvings of cloud and phoenix patterns, flanked by two dragons playing with a pearl, and surrounded by Chinese-character motifs. The inner border surrounding the Northern Emperor statue showcases intricate designs of pheasants and peonies. Notably, the Northern Emperor statue is approximately 0.7 meters tall, depicted in a majestic seated posture, wearing the Emperor's crown, with one hand forming a symbolic gesture and the other holding a sword, while his feet rest on a snake and a mythical serpent.

        In front of the altar of Guan Yu, there are two dragon pillars. Above the altar is a set of the Eight Immortals riding animals and transformed Chinese character motifs, while below the dragons playing with pearls motif is a set of pheasant and peony patterns.

        The altar of Mazu is similar and from the same period as Guan Yu's altar. The two statues on either side of Mazu depict the impressive figures of Qianliyan (Thousand-Mile Eye) and Shunfeng'er (With-the-Wind Ear).

        Overall, the interior colors are vibrantly adorned yet maintain a harmonious balance. The horizontal inscribed boards, parallel couplets, and various decorative patterns are all rendered with highly distinctive artistic carving techniques, showcasing unique traditional craftsmanship.

        Cantonese Provincial Assembly Hall holds worship ceremonies on the full moon and the 30th of every lunar month. The main annual ceremonies are on the full moons of the first, seventh, and tenth lunar months. Notably, on the 3rd day of the third lunar month, there is a ceremony to honor the Northern Emperor; on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, there is a ceremony for Mazu; and on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, there is a ceremony for Guan Yu.

        Cantonese Provincial Assembly Hall is a quintessential example of Chinese architecture, housing valuable ancient artifacts and traditional festivals, reflecting the cultural and religious reverence of the Chinese community for the Northern Emperor. This cultural integration has long been a part of Vietnamese heritage. Visiting this site offers deeper insights into traditional Chinese art and culture, fostering unity among the diverse ethnic groups living in the An Giang province. The architectural and artistic heritage site of the Northern Emperor Pagoda was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information under Decision No. 112/VH-QĐ on June 15, 1987.