Among Ho Chi Minh City’s many tourist attractions, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most interesting ones. The Jade Emperor Pagoda, built in 1909 by the Chinese Congregation, is truly a gem among Chinese temples in Saigon. It is one of the most spectacularly colourful pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, filled with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of burning joss sticks fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings decorated with gilded Chinese characters. The roof is covered with elaborate tile work. The statues, which represent characters from both the Buddhist and Taoist traditions, are made of reinforced papier-mache. The pagoda is dedicated to the Emperor of Jade, the supreme Taoist god.

 

Two menacing and fierce figures at 4m-high: the first is the statue of the general who defeated the ‘Green Dragon’ as shown underfoot. The second being another general who defeated the ‘White Tiger’, also shown being stepped on.

 

This is the main chamber that houses the Taoist Jade Emperor (or king of heaven) and is flanked by his guardians.

 

Another chamber in the Jade Emperor Pagoda. This time it is presided over by Thanh Hoang or the Chief of Hell and his red horse.

 

Below are images of the infamous Hall of the Ten Hells – carved wooden panels illustrating the varied torments awaiting evil people in each of the Ten Regions of Hell.

 

The most fascinating part of the Jade Emperor Pagoda has got to be this room. Here, you’ll see ceramic figures of 12 women, overrun with children and wearing colorful clothes sitting in 2 rows of 6. This is where Vietnamese women who wants children will come to pray.

 

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is at 73 Mai Thi Luu Street.

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