Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Introducing Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Built at the end of Qing Dynasty (1616-1911), Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is known world-wide for its exquisite decoration and craftsmanship. Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, commonly known as the Chen Clan Temple, is a national-level protected cultural heritage site, and houses the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Chenjiaci 陈家祠
• Best Time to Visit: April to December
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Folk Arts and Crafts
• Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Entrance Fee: ¥10
• Address: No.34, Enlongli, Zhongshan 7th Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

What to expect at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Construction of the Chen Clan Temple started in the 14th year of the reign of Emperor Guang Xu of the Qing Dynasty (1888) and was completed in the 20th year of the reign (1894). Located beyond the western gate of the town of Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall was a shared clan temple built with donations from Chen clan members in 72 counties in Guangdong Province. Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall features an architectural style typical of ancestral halls in Lingnan. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall’s the largest, most sumptuously decorated and best preserved traditional structure in Guangdong Province, dubbed the gem of Lingnan artistic architecture.

Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a conglomeration of Guangdong’s folk architectural styles and features an ingenious application of decorative arts, such as wood, brick and stone carvings, lime-clay mixtures, pottery sculptures, iron castings, and paintings, all of which are masterpieces of folk arts with different themes, vivid designs, rich colors, and consummate workmanship.

In 1959, the People’s Government converted Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall into the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts, which collects, studies and displays folk handicrafts made in Guangdong and the rest of the country during the bygone dynasties. The museum showcases scores of different types of valuable artifacts and handicrafts, such as pottery, embroidery and sculptures, which reflect Lingnan’s folk customs. These exhibits contain a high value for research and appreciation.

How to get to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

By Bus
• Take Bus No. 17, 85, 88, 104, 105, 107, 109, 128, 193, 204, 205, 233, 250, 286, 413, Tourism Bus Line 1 or 2 and get off at Chenjiaci Station.

By Metro
• Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Chenjiaci Station (Exit D).

Additional travel advice on Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
• Please keep quiet in the museum.
• Keep your passport on you to claim the ticket.