A weathered Chinese-style house wall near Hoi An in Vietnam

by Silva Wischeropp

I discovered this mysterious, ancient Chinese façade in the picturesque little town of Hoi An during my three-month photography trip in 2000. This fairytale-like photographic subject looks like a poetic painting from a long-gone era in Vietnamese history; time seems to have stood still on this unique, colourful façade. The perfect wall art for lovers of lost and mystical places with an Asian atmosphere.
Thanks to the open harbour and trade from days gone by, the Chinese influence is also evident in the architecture. Many of these houses are listed by UNESCO and may not be altered or modernised, in order to preserve this historic cultural heritage. Hoi An is arguably the most picturesque and charming town in Vietnam. It lies well sheltered at the mouth of the Thu Bon River, some 30 km inland from the South China Sea. The town was once the largest port in South-East Asia, a fact largely attributable to its location on the Silk Road. The earliest traces of settlement in Hoi An date back to the 4th century. During the 16th century, under the Nguyen rulers, the port was further expanded, becoming an attractive international trading centre. More and more Chinese and Japanese traders settled here, and the town grew steadily. Hoi An’s various sights can be easily explored on foot. It is a relaxing stroll through the old town; the old buildings are home to restaurants and small shops that blend almost seamlessly into the historic townscape. Hoi An’s old town was the only one to remain unscathed during the Vietnam War. Since 1999, this picturesque ensemble of historically significant buildings has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This enchanting cityscape is perfect for hanging in a wide variety of living and working spaces, lending them a graceful, Asian, meditative atmosphere.