Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The main attraction of the Chen Clan Academy is its distinctive sculptures. Throughout the halls, corridors, courtyards, doors, windows, railings, roofs, brick walls, beams, shrines, and other parts of the Chen Clan Academy, you can see traditional architectural decorations such as wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings, pottery sculptures, and plaster sculptures, as well as iron casting techniques, all with vivid shapes and rich colors.

In addition to the sculptures, the colorful paintings are also not to be missed. There are thousands of colorful paintings, none of which have the same style, and no two are the same. They are all based on the author's rich imagination and are worth reading carefully.

The Chen Clan Academy was built in the fourteenth year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1888). It is a well-preserved and representative example of folk architecture from the late Qing Dynasty in Guangdong Province, where you can see very distinctive sculptures. In addition, you can also see some art exhibitions and photo exhibitions inside, experiencing art and literature in the old house.

When the Chen Clan Academy was first built, it provided accommodation for members of the clan from all over the region who came to Guangzhou to participate in the imperial examinations. It has an ancient architectural style and is full of Guangzhou style and Lingnan characteristics. Because it is well preserved, it is a must-see for those interested in ancient architecture and history.

Enter the ancestral hall from the entrance and visit it in a zigzag pattern. The order of viewing is as follows: Main Hall (double-sided openwork wood carving screen door) - Platform (stone carved railing, iron cast openwork railing panel) - Middle Courtyard Juxian Hall (periodic special exhibitions) - Rear Courtyard Central Hall (100 Years of Chen Clan Academy Photo Exhibition) - Rear East Study (Flowing Light and Color - Guangdong Embroidery Art Exhibition) - Front East Wing (Old Guangzhou Home Exhibition)