Live Your Best Lives
The Cai Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the New Ancestral Hall, was originally built during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty and renovated in the early Republic of China. It now occupies a larger area than the East Cai Clan Ancestral Hall. Five courtyards open to the left and right of the center of the ancestral hall, a characteristic of ancestral halls in southern Shanxi. The original ceiling featured plaques inscribed with titles such as "Grand Secretary of the Duanming Palace," "National Master," "Dudu," "Grandparents and Grandchildren Jinshi," and "Liang Erqianshi." A pair of stone steps flanked the main entrance, and six flagpoles stood in the courtyard; three remained in the 1930s and 1940s. The stone courtyard, encircled by the Huihuijia window wall and north-south main entrances, was rebuilt with funds raised by overseas Chinese. Completed in 1994, it retains the original scale, but features even more elaborate and striking carvings and decorations.
To the south of the Cai family temple, a garden called Yiyuan (Easy Garden) was built. It measures 16 feet 5 inches wide and 87 feet deep. The inscription "Thinking of the Source" (思源) over the gate reminds future generations to remember their roots and ancestral virtues. The garden includes a resting pavilion, stone benches, and a stone oar, offering opportunities for rest and coolness. Local sage Bingkun named it the Yangxin Pavilion and the Tranquil Pavilion, and inscribed a couplet on a pillar. The Yangxin Pavilion couplet reads: "Though the garden is small, yet one feels the vastness of the sky and earth; not striving for perfection naturally brings tranquility and peace of mind; on the many fine days of spring and autumn, one quietly revels in the stories of the past and present; in a small garden, free from worldly concerns, one can indulge in the vastness of heaven and earth." The Tranquil Pavilion couplet reads: "Tranquility cultivates the self, frugality fosters virtue; diligence leads to no lack, and agility leads to success; let go of some of the worldly affairs, leaving a little in the heart for future generations to cultivate."
Subtropical monsoon climate; Cai's Ancestral Temple is a building with unique southern Fujian characteristics, suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
Free and open
Open all day
The Cai Family Temple is a historical landmark built in honor of the Cai family, a prominent family in Quanzhou known for their contributions to the region’s culture and society. The temple showcases traditional Fujianese architectural styles and serves as a cultural hub for preserving the local heritage.
The Cai Family Temple is located in Quanzhou, Fujian. It can be accessed by taxi, bus, or walking from the city center. The nearest public transport options are buses, which provide easy access to the temple from major parts of Quanzhou.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon during weekdays, as it tends to be less crowded compared to weekends and holidays.
Admission to the Cai Family Temple is typically free, though donations are appreciated. Special exhibitions or events may have an entrance fee, which can be paid onsite. Tickets for events can be purchased at the temple or online in advance for certain occasions.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general visits. However, if attending special events or exhibitions, it is recommended to book tickets a few days in advance to secure a spot.
You can explore the Cai Family Temple in about 1 to 2 hours. This allows enough time to visit the temple, explore the gardens, and enjoy the surrounding area.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English and Mandarin are also offered to provide more context about the temple’s history and significance.
Start with the main hall to admire the carvings and artwork, then explore the gardens. Conclude your visit with a walk around the courtyard, where you can learn more about the temple’s history and legacy.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Cai Family Temple. However, special cultural events or tours may be available during certain festivals or holidays.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially during Chinese New Year and other major festivals. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday.
The temple has basic facilities, including clean restrooms and a small gift shop. There are no food or drink stalls inside, but local eateries are nearby.
The temple is accessible to elderly and children. However, the ground may be uneven in certain parts, and visitors with disabilities may find it challenging to access some areas without assistance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are preferred and widely accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller shops or for donations.
There are no cafes or restaurants inside the temple, but nearby you will find traditional Chinese eateries offering Fujianese cuisine, including noodle dishes, dumplings, and local teas.
Vegetarian food is commonly available in nearby restaurants. Vegan and halal options are less common but can be found in larger restaurants around Quanzhou.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Cai Family Temple, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. Recommended options include the Quanzhou Hotel and local boutique accommodations in the city center.
The temple has a small souvenir shop selling traditional Fujianese handicrafts, including tea sets, ceramics, and local artwork.
Local buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Didi are available for continued travel. You can also explore the city on foot if you’re staying nearby.
