This academy adopted all of the best materials, which took a large amount of money. Once stepping into the hall, every part of the academy tells you a story about a big family, even about the past of Guangzhou. The Gathering Hall was for meeting and worship of the Chen clans and now it is an ancestral hall.
The complex consists of 19 buildings with two yards, five rooms and nine halls. With its ingenious decorative folk art architecture and decorative art it is known as the "three carvings, three plastics, one cast iron" and also as the "Bai Yue Guan Yu". The hall is representative of the traditional architecture in Lingnan style. In addition to the architecture, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, as a national first-class museum, houses over 20,000 items (sets) of precious cultural relics and modern craft masterpieces, including nearly 3,000 national-level relics.
Beyond its function as an ancestral hall, the Chen Clan Academy was also an educational institution where members could prepare for imperial examinations. It housed a library with a vast collection of books and manuscripts, providing valuable resources for scholars. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is an academic temple in Guangzhou, China, built by the 72 Chen clans for their juniors’ accommodation and preparation for the imperial examinations in 1894 in Qing Dynasty. Later it was changed to be the Chen Clan’s Industry College, and then middle schools afterward. Now it houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.Learn more on wikipedia for Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.
The hall has undergone several restorations due to damage from political turmoil and neglect in the early 20th century. Recognizing its importance, the Chinese government initiated restoration efforts in the 1950s. Designated as a key cultural relic under state protection in 1988, it continues to be preserved for future generations. As historical sites and unique architecture scattered along the river, visitors will be captivated by its beauty when cruising on it.
When the imperial examinations were eventually abolished in 1905, the building was turned into a practical school for Chen clan students. The most unforgettable thing in Chen Clan Ancestral is the colorful roof. It is the Stucco relief that widely used in architectural decoration of PRD(Pearl River Delta).
The island, with its Western-style cafes and gardens, provides a unique blend of cultures and eras. While looking at the stone lions, gazebo, stylobate, steps,handrail and the like, you must be surprised at the exquisite stone carvings. The gazebo in front of the gathering hall uses various techniques such as Three-dimensional Statue, High Relief, Lou Carves and so on.
The hall, renowned as the gem of Lingnan artistic architecture, is also home to the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts, carrying profound historical significance and unique artistic allure. Explore various halls, courtyards, and gardens, each offering a glimpse into the Chen family’s rich history and culture. The museum exhibits provide insights into traditional Cantonese art and craftsmanship.
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall has 9 halls, which are interspaced by 6 courtyards, and flanked by 10 wing rooms and connected by verandas in the traditional Lingnan style. Sustainable tourism practices are also becoming prevalent, with efforts to preserve the authenticity of the site while accommodating the growing number of visitors. The emphasis on responsible travel is aimed at minimizing the impact on the heritage site and its environment. The 陈家祠, also known as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall or 陈氏书院 (Chen Clan Academy), was constructed between 1890 and 1894 during the late Qing Dynasty under Emperor Guangxu’s reign.
Your day trip exploring the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island offers more than a glimpse into Guangzhou’s past; it’s an immersive dive into a culture that has evolved over millennia. From the architectural marvels to the intangible heritage carried forward by local festivals and crafts, every aspect of your visit connects you to the enduring soul of Guangzhou. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a traditional Chinese academic complex. It is incredible how much intricate artwork went into everything from the roof that has 11 ceramic ridge crests that look like dragons lying on the roof, to the iron castings of the stone handrails.
