Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as Chen Clan Academy, is a historical and cultural landmark of Guangzhou.

Here is a detailed introduction:

- Historical Background: Construction began in 1888 and was completed in 1893. It was funded by prominent Chen family gentry from 72 counties in Guangdong and served as a "clan ancestral hall." After the abolition of the imperial examination system, it was used as a school and other purposes. In 1959, it was converted into the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, and in 1988, it was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit.
- Architectural Features: Covering an area of 15,000 square meters with a main building area of 6,400 square meters, it is arranged in a "three courtyards, three paths, nine halls, and two wings" layout, interspersed with six courtyards and eight corridors. The building faces south with a symmetrical central axis layout, representing a typical Guangdong folk ancestral hall architectural style.
- Decorative Arts: It is a masterpiece of Lingnan architectural craftsmanship and decoration, featuring wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, gray sculpture, ceramic sculpture, bronze and iron casting, and painted murals, collectively known as the "Seven Wonders" of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The themes are diverse, covering historical stories, opera characters, flowers, birds, insects, and fish, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and making it a brilliant hall of folk decorative art.
- Cultural Value: Now serving as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, it is a national first-class museum housing over 20,000 precious cultural relics and modern craft masterpieces. It includes all craft categories from Guangdong Province listed in the national intangible cultural heritage catalog, making it an important window to understand Lingnan culture and folk crafts.

Post by sophiariver | Oct 25, 2025