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The Chen Family General's Shrine, located in Chenji Village, Chenji Township, Gushi County, Henan Province, serves as the ancestral temple for Chen Yuanguang, the "King of Zhangzhou," who quelled the "Xiao Rebellion" during the Tang Dynasty, stabilized the eastern border, and founded Zhangzhou. Built during the Tianbao period of the Tang Dynasty by Chen Yuanguang's grandson, Chen Yu, the shrine was subsequently renovated and restored, with the current structure remaining from the Qing Dynasty.
The Chen Family Generals' Shrine covers 5,081 square meters. Originally consisting of nearly 100 rooms, the shrine now comprises 31 rooms, totaling 740 square meters. Facing Fuguang Peak, with a clear stream in front of its gate, the shrine is a large quadrangle courtyard divided into a front yard, a rear hall, east and west side chambers, and left and right side halls. The entire structure is constructed from a stone foundation, stone pillars, blue bricks and gray tiles, and features a main hall, side chambers, and side halls with corridors, along with stone steps and pillars.
Stone lions and stone elephants stand on the pillars. The lions and elephants have relief patterns on their backs. The column bases are square, carved with ancient figures and famous flowers. The foundation stone and pillars are seamlessly integrated. The main hall, east and west side rooms, and east and west side halls are all decorated with beams, square stone columns, and red lacquered wooden lattice doors and windows. The entire building exudes the grandeur of a military tent and the majesty of a general's guard.
Boasting a subtropical monsoon climate, the Chen Family Generals' Shrine is 25 kilometers from Gushi County. It is now a nationally protected cultural relic and an AAA-rated scenic spot. Every year, tens of thousands of relatives from home and abroad visit to trace their ancestral roots. It's a great place to visit in all seasons.
The Chen Family Generals' Shrine, nestled in front of a clear, serene water known as the "Crescent Pond," features a large quadrangle courtyard, divided into a gatehouse, left and right side rooms, a rear hall, left and right wing rooms, and auxiliary rooms. The entire structure is a gabled brick and wood structure, with a stone foundation, stone pillars, and grayish-green tiles. The halls and corridors are framed by a timber frame. The Generals' Shrine boasts a rigorous layout, with a prominent central axis and structural integrity, embodying meticulous attention to detail. Stone lions, both inside and outside, are meticulously crafted and beautifully portrayed on the lower levels of stone bamboo pillars, imbuing the shrine with a strong local character. The shrine is a complex of buildings with both educational history and artistic value.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
09:00-17:00
General Chen's Shrine commemorates a famous local military leader known for his loyalty and contributions to regional defense. The shrine serves as a cultural and historical site reflecting the local heritage and traditional Chinese ancestral worship practices.
The shrine is located in Xinyang, Henan. It can be reached by taxi or private car. Local buses may stop near the site, and walking from nearby accommodations is feasible for short distances.
Typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn for comfortable weather and clear skies for photography.
Entrance fees are usually modest, around 20–40 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance; online options may be available through local tourism platforms.
Advance booking is generally not required except during public holidays or weekends. If visiting during peak times, booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended.
1–2 hours to walk through the shrine, explore the grounds, and take photographs.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese. English or other language guides may be arranged upon request with advance notice.
Enter through the main gate, visit the main hall, explore side halls and gardens, then walk the perimeter pathways to enjoy the full setting.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special cultural events may occur on certain dates, announced locally.
Weekdays are typically quiet. Weekends and public holidays may see more visitors. Early mornings are ideal for a peaceful experience.
Basic facilities include restrooms, benches, and small local souvenir stands. Food options are limited, so bringing snacks and water is advisable.
Generally accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may involve steps or uneven paths. Wheelchair access may be limited in older sections.
Cash is accepted. Mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are often supported.
Small local eateries near the shrine offer Henan-style cuisine. Cafes are limited.
Vegetarian options are available at some nearby restaurants; vegan and halal options are limited and may require inquiry.
Several hotels and guesthouses in Xinyang city are within a short driving distance from the shrine.
Small shops sell local handicrafts, calligraphy reproductions, and simple shrine-themed souvenirs.
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and local buses provide connections to Xinyang city center, nearby hotels, and other attractions.
