The Relationship Between Hoi An and China: History, Culture and Trade
One of the most prominent relationships in Hoi An's history is its relationship with China. Hundreds of years ago, Chinese trade, culture and people contributed to the formation of a colorful Hoi An.
This article will take you on a journey to explore the special relationship between Hoi An and China, through historical, commercial, cultural and heritage aspects.
1. Hoi An - Bustling Commercial Center of Southeast Asia
In the 16th century, Hoi An was one of the largest seaports in Southeast Asia, a bustling trading hub between countries in the region and the West. Chinese merchants played a crucial role in developing Hoi An into an international trading center. Hoi An was not only a stopover for ships from Japan, India, and Portugal, but also a place where Chinese merchants came to trade goods such as tea, rice, textiles, ceramics, and metals.
During its peak, Hoi An was home to a large Chinese community from the southern provinces of Guangdong and Fujian. Chinese merchants contributed significantly to the economic development of Hoi An, helping to create lasting trade relationships between Hoi An and neighboring countries.
During its peak, Hoi An was home to a large Chinese community from the southern provinces of Guangdong and Fujian. Chinese merchants contributed significantly to the economic development of Hoi An, helping to create lasting trade relationships between Hoi An and neighboring countries.
2. Chinese Culture in Hoi An
 |
| Lanterns hang high in front of a street corner on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An. |
In addition to their important role in trade, the Chinese also brought their own unique culture to Hoi An. This cultural exchange has created a Hoi An that is both deeply Vietnamese and strongly influenced by China, especially in architecture, customs and beliefs.
Architecture and Monuments:One of the most obvious examples of Chinese influence is the architecture in Hoi An. The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most prominent monuments, built in the 16th century by the Japanese community, but with strong Chinese architectural influences, with its curved roofs and statues of gods. This is one of the symbols of Hoi An, where the Chinese and Japanese communities live, do business and hold religious activities together.
In addition, in the old town, visitors will easily notice ancient houses with windows, arches, walls and decorative details bearing strong Chinese influences. The Chinese shops, restaurants and houses in Hoi An still retain their traditional architecture, with curved roofs and distinctive decorative details, reflecting the strong cultural influence from China.
Beliefs and Festivals: The Chinese communities in Hoi An still preserve the rituals of ancestor worship, worship of gods, and traditional Chinese festivals. Quan Cong Pagoda and Ong Pagoda (also known as Quan Thanh Temple) are famous pagodas built by the Chinese to worship gods, imbued with Chinese beliefs. These pagodas are not only places for religious activities but also cultural centers where the Chinese hold worship rituals, festivals, and community meetings.
Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and other important festivals are also solemnly celebrated by the Chinese community in Hoi An, creating a special atmosphere during the holidays. These rituals have become an indispensable part of Hoi An's cultural life, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to participate.
The Chinese community in Hoi An not only contributes to commerce but also participates extensively in many traditional handicrafts. Hoi An's handicraft products, especially textiles, embroidery, rattan and bamboo weaving, are clearly influenced by Chinese production techniques.
Architecture and Monuments:One of the most obvious examples of Chinese influence is the architecture in Hoi An. The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most prominent monuments, built in the 16th century by the Japanese community, but with strong Chinese architectural influences, with its curved roofs and statues of gods. This is one of the symbols of Hoi An, where the Chinese and Japanese communities live, do business and hold religious activities together.
In addition, in the old town, visitors will easily notice ancient houses with windows, arches, walls and decorative details bearing strong Chinese influences. The Chinese shops, restaurants and houses in Hoi An still retain their traditional architecture, with curved roofs and distinctive decorative details, reflecting the strong cultural influence from China.
Beliefs and Festivals: The Chinese communities in Hoi An still preserve the rituals of ancestor worship, worship of gods, and traditional Chinese festivals. Quan Cong Pagoda and Ong Pagoda (also known as Quan Thanh Temple) are famous pagodas built by the Chinese to worship gods, imbued with Chinese beliefs. These pagodas are not only places for religious activities but also cultural centers where the Chinese hold worship rituals, festivals, and community meetings.
Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and other important festivals are also solemnly celebrated by the Chinese community in Hoi An, creating a special atmosphere during the holidays. These rituals have become an indispensable part of Hoi An's cultural life, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to participate.
3. Chinese People and Professions in Hoi An
An old man sits reading a book on the porch of his house in Hoi An ancient town. Illustration photo: hoians.comThe Chinese community in Hoi An not only contributes to commerce but also participates extensively in many traditional handicrafts. Hoi An's handicraft products, especially textiles, embroidery, rattan and bamboo weaving, are clearly influenced by Chinese production techniques.
Shops, production facilities, and ceramic workshops in Hoi An still retain traditional ceramic making secrets passed down from generation to generation. Although Hoi An ceramic products are made in Vietnam, their quality and design are deeply influenced by Chinese ceramic designs.
Moreover, the trade in handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics, and specialty foods has also developed strongly thanks to the participation of Chinese merchants, helping Hoi An become an attractive destination for tourists looking to buy unique items.
4. Economic and Political Relationships
Historically, the relationship between China and Vietnam was not only limited to trade and culture but also involved politics. The feudal dynasties of Vietnam, especially under the Le and Nguyen dynasties, had political exchanges and interactions with China through diplomatic and commercial channels. Hoi An, with its strategic location, became a place not only for the exchange of goods but also a bridge between dynasties.
The Chinese community in Hoi An was not only merchants but also played an important role in maintaining the relationship between the two countries. They participated in diplomatic activities, promoting political agreements and transactions, especially during the periods of regional integration.
The Chinese community in Hoi An was not only merchants but also played an important role in maintaining the relationship between the two countries. They participated in diplomatic activities, promoting political agreements and transactions, especially during the periods of regional integration.
5. Hoi An and China Today
Nowadays, although Hoi An is no longer a bustling international seaport as before, the relationship between Hoi An and China is still maintained and strongly developed, especially in the fields of tourism and cultural exchange.
Traditional Chinese festivals are still held enthusiastically, with rituals to honor gods, ancestors, and pray for a peaceful new year. Lunar New Year, with activities such as lion dances, opera, and firecrackers, still attracts many tourists to participate. Chinese tourists also especially love Hoi An because of its closeness to their culture, along with the architectural, culinary and handicraft imprints that they can easily find here.
Traditional Chinese festivals are still held enthusiastically, with rituals to honor gods, ancestors, and pray for a peaceful new year. Lunar New Year, with activities such as lion dances, opera, and firecrackers, still attracts many tourists to participate. Chinese tourists also especially love Hoi An because of its closeness to their culture, along with the architectural, culinary and handicraft imprints that they can easily find here.
Conclude
The relationship between Hoi An and China is an integral part of the history, culture and trade of this ancient city. Hoi An is not only a testament to the cultural exchange between East and West but also a place to preserve the traditional cultural values of both Vietnamese and Chinese people. For visitors, exploring Hoi An is not only a journey back to the past, but also an opportunity to better understand the deep relationship between cultures, including China, through historical relics, customs and unique traditional festivals.