Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
The Chen Clan Academy, a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture, is Guangdong’s largest traditional ancestral hall complex. Built in 1894 by 72 Chen clan villages to honor ancestors and host imperial exams, it now serves as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. Renowned for its intricate wood carvings, ceramic sculptures, and 19th-century scholarly vibe, the academy was designated a UNESCO-Asia Pacific Heritage Award winner in 2002.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1888 under Qing Dynasty scholar Chen Yanyuan, funded by donations from overseas Chinese merchants. The academy hosted imperial civil service exams until 1905 and later became a school. Post-1949, it housed factories before a 1980s restoration revived its glory. Key events include the 1959 founding of the museum and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games’ cultural exhibitions.
Structural Layout
The academy follows a symmetrical three-axis design with nine halls and six courtyards:Zhu Hall (Main Entrance): Flanked by stone drums and guardian lions.
Zhongjin Hall: A 12m-tall assembly hall with a “Double Dragon Play Pearl” ceiling.
Juxian Hall: The ancestral worship hall, featuring a 4m-tall gilded ancestor tablet.
Exhibition Galleries: Dedicated to ivory carvings, embroidery, and Cantonese opera costumes.
Courtyards: Ornamental pools, banyan trees, and moon gates.
Major Attractions
Zhu Hall’s Brick Carvings: 1,100+ historical tales depicted in glazed tiles (e.g., “Romance of Three Kingdoms”).
Zhongjin Hall’s Beam Carvings: 24 “Story of Later Jin” scenes crafted from single jackwood logs.
Juxian Hall’s Screen Wall: A 20m-long granite carving of “The Eighty-Seven Immortals.”
Ivory Carving Gallery: A 2m-tall “Phoenix Coronation” sculpture (60,000 hours of work).
Cantonese Opera Museum: Costumes, props, and a miniature theater stage.
Garden of Filial Piety: Bamboo groves and a 100-year-old banyan tree.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Zhu Hall → Zhongjin Hall → Juxian Hall → Cantonese Opera Museum → Garden of Filial Piety.
Highlights: Architecture, ancestral tablets, and opera history.
- Art Lover’s Route (3–4 hours):
Zhu Hall → Ivory Carving Gallery → Embroidery Hall → Juxian Hall → Zhongjin Hall.
Highlights: Masterpieces and craftsmanship demonstrations.
- Family Route (2–3 hours):
Zhu Hall → Garden of Filial Piety → Cantonese Opera Museum → Courtyard Activities (seasonal).
Highlights: Kid-friendly exhibits and outdoor spaces.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the academy’s WeChat mini-program or Meituan (up to 3 days in advance).
- Prices:
Adults: ¥10 (includes museum access).
Free: Children under 1.4m, seniors over 60, and military personnel.
Guided Tours: ¥50 (Mandarin/English, 1 hour).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy Station (Exit D), 2-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 17, 85, or 104 to Chen Clan Academy Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Chen Jia Ci” (陈家祠) – entrance on Zhongshan Seventh Road.
From Guangzhou Railway Station: 15-minute taxi ride via Renmin North Road.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–December) for comfortable tours.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (uneven stone floors).
Photography allowed (no flash in galleries).
Prohibited items: Selfie sticks, food, and drinks (except water).
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
Where are the brick - carvings of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall mainly distributed?
The brick - carvings of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall are mainly distributed on the outer walls and chi tou (the part of the gable wall above the door and window). There are 6 large - scale brick - carvings on the front outer wall, and there are also brick - carving calligraphy and poems in different fonts. The lintel of the four doors of "Debiao", "Weiying", "Changgui" and "Qingji" on the front of the ancestral hall is inlaid with complex brick - carvings, decorated with patterns such as flowers, fruits, magic weapons and geometry.
What is the best route to visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall?
You can enter the ancestral hall from the entrance and visit in a zig --zag shape. The recommended order is: main hall (double - sided hollowed - out wood - carving large - screen door) - platform (stone - carving railings, iron - casting open - work balustrade) - middle - entry Juxian Hall (regular special exhibitions) - rear - entry middle hall (Centennial Chen's Academy photo exhibition) - rear - east studio ("Brilliant Colors" - Cantonese Embroidery Art Exhibition) - front - east wing (Old Guangzhou Home Exhibition).
Can I take pictures in Chen Clan Ancestral Hall?
Yes, you can take pictures in Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, but please pay attention not to use flash, so as not to damage the cultural relics and architectural decorations. At the same time, please keep quiet and do not affect other visitors.
Are there shared - bikes available for rent around Chen Clan Ancestral Hall?
Yes, there are shared - bikes around Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. You can find the parking points of shared - bikes through the bike - sharing app, which is convenient for you to travel short - distance and visit the surrounding areas.
Can I buy souvenirs in Chen Clan Ancestral Hall?
Yes, you can buy souvenirs in Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. There are souvenir shops in the scenic area, which sell a variety of souvenirs, such as handicrafts with Lingnan characteristics, postcards, and cultural and creative products with the elements of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, which are very suitable as gifts or for personal collection.
