Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
陈家祠（陈氏书院）
A peak of Lingnan architectural decoration. The roof ridges are richly adorned with grey pottery sculptures, clay figures, brick carvings and wood carvings. It now houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy, was built in the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty (1888–1894). It was jointly funded by Chen clans from the 72 counties of Guangdong. It is the largest and most ornate ancestral hall complex in the Lingnan region and is hailed as the “Foremost Ancestral Hall of the Hundred Yue.” The complex faces south and has three halls, three rows and nine halls with two side wings, covering 15,000 square metres.
The highlights center on the “three carvings, two sculptures and one casting.” On the roof ridges, dozens of metres of clay and grey-plaster sculptures depict figures and stories. The main gate features a group of brick carvings, the Juxian Hall has wooden carved screen doors, and the stone railings and cast-iron openwork panels complete the set. Most subjects are opera tales and auspicious motifs, so the details reward slow looking upward.
The compound houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, which displays Guangdong embroidery, Canton enamel, ivory carving, Duan inkstones and other Lingnan crafts. Admission is RMB 10, booked online with real-name registration. The museum is open on Mondays. Free guided tour sessions are offered, and an audio guide costs RMB 20. A guided tour is recommended to understand the decorative stories.
Get there from Exit D of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Station on Metro Line 1, a 3-minute walk. Line 8 also serves the area. Allow 1–1.5 hours. Combine the visit with Yongqing Fang and Shangxiajiu, and enjoy afternoon tea nearby at Liwan Lake Park or Panxi Restaurant.
Note: tripods are not allowed inside, and entry is limited during holidays.
Opening hours
09:00–17:30 (last admission 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Liuhua Lake Park
- Guangxiao Temple
- Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
- Cantonese Opera Art Museum
- Yongqing Fang / Xiguan
- Huaisheng Mosque (Guangta)
- Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
- Nanyue King Museum (Mausoleum Site)