Chen Family Temple

Hours & Admission Price Peak Season
Jan.-Dec.
08:30-17:30
10 Low Season
Jan.-Dec.
08:30-17:30
10 Address & Phone NO.34 En Long Li, Seven Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province Transportation Take bus NO. 85, 88, 104, 107, 109, 114, 128, 193, 204, 233, 250, 260, 268 or 286, and get off at Chen Family Temple stop. Or take bus No. 15, 52, 55 Notes

The gorgeous and splendid Chen Family Temple is a typical southern ancestral building of Qing Dynasty that reflects the big family’s pursuit of magnificent life and local artisans’ exquisite craftsmanship.

Chen Family Temple, originally called Chen Family Academy, lies in the west town of Guangzhou. The gorgeous and splendid temple is a typical southern ancestral building of Qing Dynasty (1638-1912) that reflects the big family’s pursuit of magnificent life and the exquisite craftsmanship of local artisans.

History

Chen Family Temple was constructed at the end of the 19th century during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty through the efforts of Chen families. About one hundred years ago, Chen clan is a big family in Guangdong for their large popularity, wealth and prosperity. The temple was built not only to honor and worship their ancestors, but also to educate Chen family members who came from all over the province to attend the imperial examinations. Hence it is also called Chen Family Academy. Known as the largest and best preserved ancient architecture in Guangdong, the temple has become Guangdong Folk Art Museum.

Architecture

Covering an area of 13,200 square meters and a main covered area of 6,400 square meters, the temple takes Chinese typical architecture structure of quadrangle courtyard. The compound complex is composed of six courtyards, nine halls, and nineteen buildings connected by corridors. Main structures stand along the central axis flanked by subsidiary buildings on west and east sides, all separated by walls from the outside world. The layout of Chen Family Temple boasts of strong Lingnan style and well-balanced layout that is really an architectural masterpiece. The majestic buildings, spacious and bright halls and the quiet courtyards are a fine example of the traditional architectural style of southern China.

Highlights

The Chen Family Temple has been named as one of the Eight Sightseeing Sites of Guangzhou in New century and the National Key Historic Site. The temple is known at home and abroad not only for its majestical constructions, but also for its exquisite craftwork and decoration. People who visit the temple will be amazed at wonderful artworks, including wood carving, brick carving, stone carving, pottery, lime sculpture and iron casting.

Colored potteries are arranged in lines on the main ridges with a total number of eleven. What stands on the ridge of Juxian Hall is the largest one with a length of 27 meters and a height of 2.9 meters. There are total 224 figures on the ridges, including dragon, phoenix, flowers and plants, birds, beast and historic characters.

Visitors will be shocked by the carving and casting skills in every corner of the temple. Chen Family Temple is a precious stone in Lingnan Region that shows Chinese traditional culture and historical folk stories.

Guangzhou Culture