Located in the heart of bustling Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho City, Ong Pagoda, built over 120 years ago, remains a vibrant symbol of faith and cultural heritage for the local Chinese-Vietnamese community.

Originally established as a gathering place for Cantonese and Zhaoqing immigrants from Guangdong Province, China, the pagoda - also known as Quang Trieu Assembly Hall - has since become a revered spiritual and architectural landmark.

Situated on Hai Ba Trung Street, Ong Pagoda spans over 500 square meters. Historical records indicate that construction began in 1894 and was completed within two years.

Most of the building materials were imported from China. The structure follows a "Quoc" (國) character layout, featuring interconnected buildings arranged in a closed square formation.

The roof is covered with yin-yang tiles, while green-glazed ceramic ridges adorn the eaves, creating a striking aesthetic.

Upon entering the pagoda, visitors are greeted by intricately carved wooden doors, which are only opened on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month.

Behind these doors lies the main sanctuary, dedicated to deities and legendary figures revered by the Chinese community.

The main framework of the pagoda consists entirely of precious hardwood, with a complex system of beams and rafters.

The vaulted ceiling is supported by six massive red-painted columns resting on monolithic stone pedestals.

Exquisite relief carvings can be found throughout the temple, decorating horizontal plaques, couplets, and beams with traditional motifs such as plum blossoms, bamboo, chrysanthemums, dragons, phoenixes, and carp transforming into dragons.

At the front hall, the right altar is dedicated to Phuc Duc Chinh Than (God of Blessings and Virtue), while the left altar honors Ma Tien General.

The main altar enshrines Guan Sheng Di Jun (Lord Guan, also known as Guan Yu), a deity symbolizing righteousness, loyalty, courage, and honor in Chinese culture.

Additional deities include Mazu (Heavenly Empress), Caishen (God of Wealth), and Dong Vinh (the revered scholar-official).

To the left of the main hall, a separate altar is dedicated to Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy). These statues, crafted using diverse materials such as wood, plaster, and ceramics, exemplify the artistry of traditional Chinese sculpture.

One of the most distinctive rituals at Ong Pagoda is the spiral incense offering, where worshippers write their names and birth years on red plaques before attaching them to large coils of incense. These coils burn continuously for 10 to 12 days, symbolizing enduring prayers for peace and prosperity.

Ong Pagoda attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors, especially during major lunar celebrations such as Guan Sheng Di Jun’s feast day on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month and the Lunar New Year.

Beyond its architectural and artistic significance, Ong Pagoda also played a role in Vietnam’s revolutionary history. During the resistance war against the U.S., the pagoda discreetly provided shelter for revolutionary activists operating within Can Tho. Recognizing its cultural and historical value, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Information designated Ong Pagoda as a National Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site in 1993.