Ngoc Hoang Pagoda or Jade Emperor Pagoda, located on Mai Thi Luu Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), is a popular destination for many domestic and foreign tourists who are praying for peace for the family. In particular, the temple attracts thousands of visitors to offer incense on the 1st and 15th of lunar months.
The Ngoc Hoang Pagoda/ Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as Phuoc Hai Pagoda ) was originally a place of worship of Jade Emperor built by a Chinese in the period of 1892-1900, according to Chinese architecture.
In 1984, the Jade Emperor Pagoda was renamed, Phuoc Hai. However, many people in the city still used to call it Jade Emperor because the main hall is the place to worship Jade Emperor according to Chinese beliefs.
Over a century, Jade Emperor pagoda has been recognized by the government as a national architectural and artistic heritage.
According to the keeper of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, this place has a total area of about 2,300m2 and was built in the style of a Chinese temple with a decorative motif. The pagoda was built of baked bricks, roofed with yin and yang tiles, decorated with colorful ceramic statues.
In front of the door of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, there is a prominent three-door gate with wavy lines shaped like two dragons fighting for the pearl.
In the middle of the yard, there is an aquarium of about 50m2 with many different types of fish. And on the right side, there is a turtle tank that people come to pray to release in.
Step inside the temple, there are many works of art such as paintings, statues of worship, incense desk, made of wood, and pottery, which are unique.
“This is the only pagoda in Vietnam with ancient papier-mache statues representing the gatherings of the gods to adorate the Jade Emperor. In 1994, the government recognized the pagoda as a national architectural and artistic heritage, ”the keeper added.
The jade green tile roof of Chinese architecture is still lasting with time. Photo TK.
Source: Lao Dong
