TL;DR: Chùa Ông, formally Thất phủ cổ miếu, founded in 1684 on Cù Lao Phố, now in Trấn Biên ward, Đồng Nai province, worships Quan Thánh Đế Quân with Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, Phúc Đức Chính Thần and Bổn Đầu Công. In recent years the early-year festival has run from the 9th to the 13th of the first lunar month, with a river ceremony welcoming the deity, a parade, lion and dragon dances and lanterns; on 10 November 2023 it was added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Where is Chùa Ông on Cù Lao Phố and who is worshipped there?
Chùa Ông, formally Thất phủ cổ miếu (the Ancient Temple of the Seven Prefectures), stands on Cù Lao Phố island in the former Hiệp Hòa ward of Biên Hòa[1]; since 2025 the area has belonged to Trấn Biên ward, Đồng Nai province. The temple was founded in 1684[3]; in 2024 the locality marked 340 years since its founding (1684-2024)[1].
The main hall worships Quan Thánh Đế Quân, that is Guan Yu (Quan Công), a symbol of loyalty, good faith and uprightness; the side altars honour Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, Phúc Đức Chính Thần and Bổn Đầu Công[3]. The site was ranked a national historical and cultural relic in 2001[2].
When did the Hoa people settle on Cù Lao Phố?
In the late 17th century, General Trần Thượng Xuyên (Chen Shangchuan) led more than 3,000 Hoa people on 50 boats here, and the Nguyễn lords allowed them to settle[3]. Cù Lao Phố grew into Nông Nại Đại Phố, one of the busiest trading ports of the South[3].
Chùa Ông arose within that community. Its architecture keeps the traditional style with Bửu Long blue stone, ceramics, brick and yin-yang roof tiles; the layout has front, middle and rear halls, flanked by left and right wings[3].
On which days is the Chùa Ông festival held?
In recent years the early-year Chùa Ông festival has lasted five days, from the 9th to the 13th day of the first lunar month: in 2023 from 30 January to 3 February[2], and in 2024 from 18 to 22 February, opening on the evening of the 10th[1]. If that schedule holds, the 2027 festival falls on 14 to 18 February 2027.
Besides the early-year festival, the temple holds the feast of Quan Thánh Đế Quân on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, with offerings, lion and dragon dances and a procession of Quan Công's palanquin[3].
What rites does the Chùa Ông festival include?
The festival includes the river ceremony welcoming the deity (nghinh thần), a street parade, lion, unicorn and dragon dances, calligraphy and painting exhibitions, and the release of lanterns and balloons[1]. Nhân Dân also mentions the offering to Heaven (cúng thiên), the release of blessing lanterns, and martial arts and tuồng performances[2].
During the nghinh thần procession, the clan associations parade through the streets with dances, lion, unicorn and dragon dances and tuồng[3]. Residents come to the temple to offer incense and pray for peace[3].
When was the Chùa Ông festival recognised as heritage?
On 10 November 2023 the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism added the Chùa Ông festival to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage[2]. It is the first national intangible cultural heritage of Đồng Nai province[1].
What are the key milestones of Chùa Ông on Cù Lao Phố?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1684 | Thất phủ cổ miếu founded |
| 2001 | Ranked a national historical and cultural relic |
| 30 Jan to 3 Feb 2023 (9th to 13th of the first lunar month) | Chùa Ông festival, year Quý Mão |
| 10 Nov 2023 | Festival added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage |
| 18 to 22 Feb 2024 (9th to 13th of the first lunar month) | Festival and 340th founding anniversary |
| 24th day of the sixth lunar month, yearly | Feast of Quan Thánh Đế Quân |
Nhật Nguyệt's suggestion: what to keep in mind at the Chùa Ông festival?
The river nghinh thần and the street parade draw the biggest crowds; check the organisers' programme before going, since the solar dates change every year. Dress modestly in the main hall and keep order while residents offer incense.
Use the new name when finding your way: Cù Lao Phố now belongs to Trấn Biên ward, Đồng Nai province.
