Ancient with a unique architectural space bearing bold Chinese pagoda, An Cung Pagoda is a spiritual tourist destination but also interesting to visit in Dong Thap.
Ancient holy ancient temple
This pagoda is located on Tran Hung Dao street, ward 2, the center of Sa Dec town. An Cung architecture has bold Chinese architectural style because it was built by Chinese people in Fujian to settle and live here. Because they worship Ong Quach instead of Quan Cong as elsewhere, this temple is also known locally as Ong Quach Pagoda. 
Photo: @anhminhsnow
For the Chinese in Sa Dec, Kien An Cung Pagoda is not only a place to worship their ancestors or teach the next generations to remember their origins and preserve national identity. In addition to the spiritual place, this place is also known as the place where people gather and organize events that connect the community, exchange information every day, … So for each ethnic Chinese, this place has great significance and importance.
Photo: @xecavien_chaotrang
Although it has been in existence for hundreds of years, the ancient features of this temple are still sustainable over time. Thanks to the unique architecture, this place is also considered as a typical work for Chinese culture of the Fujian people, one of the three ethnic groups in Dong Thap. Since 1990, becoming a national-level historic site recognized by the State, the tourist attraction is extremely large in this land.
Photo: @ letuan1602
Unique architecture
In order to build Kien An Cung pagoda during the three-year period, the craftsmen had to work hard to come up with this iconic project. Today there have been many changes, but from the materials, lines, decorative patterns to the arrangement, … From the inside out, it makes you feel like you are lost in an ancient space in China. heart of Sa Dec.
The entrance to the famous Sa Dec temple
From the outside, you can see the most impressive point is the fence is cast from concrete, but is painted in stylized blue that everyone thinks is made of bamboo. Besides, the wall is also built very low, not sealed, creating ventilation. Standing from a distance, you can still see the majestic temple appearance in the campus filled with green trees. 
Photo: @thomas_leenhan
In general, Kien An Cung pagoda was built according to the Chinese word “工”. Consisting of 3 compartments with a spacious and airy cement-lined courtyard because the pagoda’s surface is facing the Cai Son canal. The unique point is that the pagoda is supported by 12 rows of large, glossy black columns made of intricately carved wood and covered with jars written in Chinese characters, above which are dreams and arms assembled without trusses. But the structure is very solid and creates a majesty despite many repairs.
The roof of the temple is subtly styled
Particularly, the roof is also meticulously tiled, with 3 layers from tile to brick, and then the top tile is wavy like dragon scales. At each corner are gradually pointed and curled upwards like a wave. On those 6 waves, there are also miniature palace models that look magnificent and eye-catching. Symbolizes efforts to overcome difficulties and achieve success.
Photo: @ nt.nm2909
The roof of Kien An Cung pagoda is roofed with yin and yang tiles, but the first part of each roof is covered with tile in a tube shape. When you look up the middle you will see a dimple of the moon. The upper part of the beam at the main door is placed with a diaphragm with the name “Kien An Cung” written in Chinese and painted in gold. Besides, there are also gold-plated wooden unicorns, delicate carved bird-shaped lotus flowers.
The stone unicorn statue in front of the main entrance to the temple
Photo: @ menlun276
Bringing the characteristics of the Chinese temple, you can easily see that in front of the main door is placed a statue of 2 unicorns made of blue stone. The two sides are pictures of Mr. Thien and Mr. Evil – two people guarding the temple. Going through this door, you will go straight to the main hall, inside there is an open courtyard like a skylight to help open the air when burning incense as well as the place of worship.
Skylight area helps air circulation easily
Photo: @ pmtam_102
The main area of the temple hall of Kien An Cung worships Mr. Quach with his hands holding the jade belt in the middle, the two on the left and right sides are Thanh Thuy To Su and Bao Sanh Dai De holding majestic swords. The east and west corridors are places to receive guests to worship. There are pictures hanging on it, ink painting, Tay Du Ky, fairy tales, … are painted very vividly. Not only for decoration, but also for conveying highly educational intentional messages for generations to come.
Construction materials were brought in from China
The effort to build a spacious temple like this is extremely large. Besides workers in Vietnam, all materials, painters, builders, … are brought from China over a long way. Although today Kien An Cung has become one of the oldest temples, the colors, decorative lines or pictures in the pagoda are still not affected by time. Always shining and being a popular tourist attraction.
Photo: @ meof.hana
Attend the festival at Kien An Cung Pagoda
Not only architecture, this temple is also worshiped regularly by Dong Thap people. Especially on the important full moon days because this place is considered very sacred. Especially if you have the opportunity to come back to Sa Dec to visit Kien An Cung Sa Dec pagoda on 2 special days, February 22 and August 22 of the lunar calendar every year, you will be able to attend a huge worship ceremony. 
Photo: @ imthoa97
On the two occasions of Mr. Quach’s birth and enlightenment, not only the Chinese, but it also attracts people from all over the country to visit and combine worship. Do not forget to attend the ceremony, please get a tattoo to see how your destiny is and pray for peace for yourself and your family. The temple is famous for its sacred nature, so if you are sincere, you will achieve what you ask for.
Photo: @dinhuylu
Guide
Because this temple is located right in the center of the big road in Sa Dec town, you can find the way easily. It is only 25 km from two major cities, Vinh Long and Can Tho. You can follow the signpost or look up Google Maps to get to the temple by private vehicle or bus.
The peaceful temple always attracts those who love nostalgia
Traveling in the West to Sa Dec, everyone is fascinated by this land by nostalgic strange things. Along with the Sa Dec flower village, this temple will also make you have moments of relaxing sightseeing with attractive ancient architecture.