How to Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Guangzhou

The construction of the shrine was collectively sponsored by the 72 Chen clans scattered in Guangdong Province for the accommodation and preparation for the imperial examinations and official discussion from Chen families in Qing Dynasty.

Later it was turned to be the Chen Clan’s Industry College, and later middle schools afterward. Now it is home to the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum. 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.

It is famed for the ornate decoration which is presented inside and outside the halls. A large collection of wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, pottery, plaster and iron engraving are seen on the wall , beams, columns, ridges, and a trove of Chinese folk arts.

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall can easily reached by subway. You may take subway line 1, get off at the station of Chenjiaci ( 陈家祠 - The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall) and exit from Exit D. Out from the subway station, you are able to see the ancestral shrine on your northeast side. So just have a light walk from the station to the ticketing office of the former ancestral hall.

Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:30 Entrance fee: RMB10 Add: No.7 Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou Zip: 510170 Tel: 020 81814559 Fax: 020 81705098

Follow me to have a close look at the magnificent carvings, statues and paintings with ornate scrollwork throughout the whole buildings of the ancestral shrine.

With an area of 15,000 square meters, the Ancestral Hall is a symmetrical complex comprising 19 single buildings. The central axis is flanked on both sides by halls, wing-rooms and corridors. The single buildings are interspaced by courtyards and connected with verandas.

The Ancestral Hall sits with its entrance facing the south and a spacious square in its front.

People are fascinated by the ornate carvings on the wall and roofs.

The exquisite stone carvings on the wall

The fascinating plaster carvings on the veranda

The ornat wood carvings

The Juxian Hall in the center of the Ancestral Hall

The long corrior connects halls and courtyards.

A close look at the plaster carvings on the rooftop. The exquisite ceramics carvingds

Guangzhou Half Day Tour from US$75 p/p Guangzhou Highlight Day Tour from US$80 p/p

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