Every Brick and Tile Crafted with Ingenuity: Lingnan Aesthetics and Centennial Memory at the Chen Academy in Kuala Lumpur

#September2025
Walking along Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, at the end of the street, a three-hallway, two-courtyard building imbued with the elegant charm of Lingnan (Southern China) catches your eye. This is the Chen Clan Academy, designed and built in the 19th century by overseas Chinese surnamed Chen. Modeled after the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou, it serves as the Chen clan's spiritual ancestral hall in Malaysia and is the only Lingnan-style ancestral hall in the country.

The entire academy is laid out in a symmetrical aesthetic, blending the delicate elegance of Shiwan ceramics, the ingenuity of wood carvings, and the vibrant coloring. Auspicious beasts stand proudly between beams and pillars, and auspicious patterns entwine the eaves. Rich yet subtle colors flow in the sunlight. The decorative elements on the roof ridge, especially the overhanging eaves, evoke the ancient charm of Chinese temples. Every detail reveals the ingenuity of the veteran craftsmen.

Upon entering the academy, the statue of the Chen clan's ancestor stands solemnly in the rear hall. The exhibition halls on either side of the front hall resemble two thick historical books, one recounting the Chen family's origins, the other detailing the struggles and outstanding contributions of successive Chen clan members in Malaysia. The museum holds even more surprises: yellowed historical records and surviving artifacts silently tell the academy's century-long story.

Today, Chen Clan Academy has been designated a protected monument by the Malaysian government for its invaluable historical value. If you're visiting Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, consider setting aside an hour to explore this Lingnan architectural gem and experience the warmth of history amidst its carved beams and painted rafters.

💲Entrance fee: RM5 per person

#KualaLumpur #KualaLumpurAttractions

Post by HenryWYM | Sep 15, 2025