Jade Emperor Pagoda is a popular religious destination in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a very old pagoda tucked among lofty skyscrapers in the bustling commercial city center. In addition to its spiritual element, this pagoda also possesses the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture. It will surely be one of the most suggested travel destinations when you have a chance to visit the city.
Where is Jade Emperor Pagoda?
- Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: From 8:00 to 17:00 (every day)
History of Jade Emperor Pagoda
The pagoda was built in the early twentieth century by a Chinese man named Luu Minh, who left China to live and do business in Vietnam. He was a Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist, thus he wanted to build a pagoda to worship Buddha and the Jade Emperor.
Thich Vinh Khuong, a great Buddhist monk, took over the pagoda in 1982. As a result, the pagoda has been assigned to the Vietnam Buddhist Association.
In 1984, Jade Emperor Pagoda was renamed Phuoc Hai Tu. However, people still call it ”Jade Emperor Pagoda” because the central chamber is a place to worship the Jade Emperor according to Chinese religious belief.
Jade Emperor Pagoda was restored 4 times in 1943, 1958, 1985 and 1986.
In 1994, the pagoda was recognized as an Artistic and Architecture site of national significance.
In 2016, Jade Emperor Pagoda had the honor of getting a visit from President of the USA, Barack Obama.
- Maybe you are interested in featured tours in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Saigon Tour Package 6 Days, Ho Chi Minh Tour Package 5 Days, Ho Chi Minh Muslim Tour 5 Days, South Vietnam Tour 5 Days.
Legend of Jade Emperor Pagoda
According to folk conception, the Jade Emperor is known as the supreme god who heads and manages all things in heaven and earth. He has the right to decide human fates. Next to the Jade Emperor, there are many other deities helping him govern.
Jade Emperor Pagoda has a reputation for fertilization. Couples of husband and wife having no children often pray sincerely in Kim Hoa Thanh Mau and 12 midwives’ place of worship. Kim Hoa Thanh Mau is a goddess caring for fertilization on the earth.
Tourists who go to this otherworldly pagoda to pray for children are put a red thread on their wrist. If they desire a son, they must pray and hang that thread on the statue on the right. If they want a girl, they hang it on the statue on the left. Then, they rub their stomach 3 times and rub on the stomach of the children’s statue under foot of midwives 3 times. Finally, they rub their stomach 3 times again. If their dreams come true, they have to buy fruits, incense and fresh flowers to go to the pagoda and show their gratitude towards the goddess.
Visitors also pray for good chances in love. People believe that only by burning incense, saying your name and your beloved’s name, and touching the matchmaker statue, will your wish come true.
Meanwhile, in the central chamber which worships the Jade Emperor, a lot of people gather and pray for their health, career, business…with reverent and solemn gestures.
Architecture of Jade Emperor Pagoda
The pagoda attracts visitors from all over the country and the world for its unique interior and exterior designs, hundreds of statues and figurines, wood carvings, and the relaxing smell of incense filling the air.
Exterior
The pagoda is magnificently created in the Chinese religious construction style, with numerous beautiful paintings and walls. The roof is made up of yin-yang tiles that are brightly colored. On the roof and gables, there are a few statues.
The main entrance of the pagoda is approximately 6 meters wide and 4.5 meters high. It is a one-door gate with a single roof, not a three-door gate with multi-tier roofs like many other pagodas and temples in Ho Chi Minh City.
In actuality, there are two entrances: the main entrance, which is supported by two pink concrete pillars and has a tiled roof, and the smaller side entrance. Two stone doors with red Chinese inscriptions support the smaller entrance.
The pagoda has an area of 2,300 square meters. The main entrance and the main structure are connected by an outside courtyard. There is a motorbike parking area, a Dharmapala Shrine, a fish pond full of lotus, an incense burner and a candle-lighting area, a turtle pond, and many trees in the yard.
The pagoda is highlighted by dozens of large oak trees that provide ample shade. Despite the sweltering temperature in Ho Chi Minh City, travelers will appreciate the fresh cool air as they enter the pagoda’s courtyard. It is a world away from the rest of Saigon, which is packed and bustling with many buildings and skyscrapers.
Interior
Inside the pagoda, there are many paintings, statues, and altars made of various materials, including wood, porcelain, and cardboard. About 300 figurines, including 100 made of cartridge paper, can be found in the pagoda.
The pagoda has 3 halls: the front hall, the middle hall, and the back hall. Each hall is a one-of-a-kind ancient architectural masterpiece. A Buddha statue can be found in the front hall. During big occasions, people sing and feast in the front and middle halls.
- Besides the Jade Emperor Pagoda, you can take your time to visit other attractions of Ho Chi Minh, such as Thien Hau Pagoda, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Opera House, etc.
Jade Emperor Pagoda Map
How to get to Jade Emperor Pagoda?
We recommend taking a motorbike or taxi ride to Jade Emperor Pagoda because it is located in Binh Thanh District, which is quite far away from the city center. If you depart from Independence Palace, it would take approximately 10 minutes and cost around 50,000 VND for a taxi ride there.
For travelers who want to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda with private services, you can book a private tour from Vietnam Shore Excursions. Professional and knowledgeable tour guides will share profoundly many interesting stories about this place and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the local life of local people during the tour. Here are some Ho Chi Minh Tours which customers can find out and book for you and your group.
- Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour
- Ho Chi Minh Half Day Tour
- Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City Jeep Tour
Useful information about Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Entrance fee: It is free to enter the pagoda, but tourists can give donations as a way to show their sincerity to the gods.
- Best time to visit: The pagoda has a ceremony dedicated to Jade Emperor on the 9th day of the first lunar month every year. This is a wonderful event that is said to bring great blessings. On this occasion, a large number of visitors come to the pagoda. You can do the same to pray and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Costume: The choice of clothes when coming to the pagoda is something you should pay attention to. Here, you need to wear long, high-neck clothes and walk quietly. Avoid wearing revealing outfits, especially shorts and short skirts. Buddhists must wear ceremonial robes when going to the Buddha shrine in the pagoda.
- Offering: Incense sticks and rings, glass candles, and flowers are commonly offered to the Gods by visitors. Buying a bottle of oil and pouring it over candle holders while whispering their name and the things they pray for in the yard or Main Hall is a custom that visitors usually do.
Despite the long history, Jade Emperor Pagoda in Vietnam still retains its timeless charm. It has become one of the most spectacular tourist places in Saigon thanks to its remarkable and distinctive beauty in association with a sacred legend. This pagoda will be an excellent place to visit if you want to learn more about Vietnamese and Asian culture.
