Exploring Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A Jewel of Guangzhou

Hello everyone, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese travel enthusiast passionate about international travel. Years of exploring different cultures and histories worldwide have equipped me with deep insights and unique experiences, which I love to share with all of you. As someone who has a profound interest in historical buildings, I am particularly drawn to sites that tell the stories of a locale’s past. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore a gem in Guangzhou — the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Introduction

Also known as “Chen’s Academy,” the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a collective ancestral temple built through donations from the Chen family branches across Guangdong Province. Initiated in the fourteenth year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign (1888) and completed in 1893, it is one of the largest traditional Cantonese architectural complexes that still exists today. The hall is renowned as one of the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely decorated ancestral temple buildings in China, often celebrated as the “Pearl of Lingnan Architecture.”

• Address: No. 34, Enlongli, Zhongshan 7th Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays. (Ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM, and visitors must clear out by 5:15 PM)
• Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
• Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
• Admission Fee: 10 RMB

Map of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Why You Need to Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall?

The architectural style and decorative art of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall are primary reasons why it attracts tourists. Its architecture features the quintessential Southern Chinese Lingnan style, while its decorative arts are nothing short of masterful. The hall is adorned with wood carvings, brick carvings, stone carvings, ceramic sculptures, and plaster sculptures, each piece a treasure showcasing the depth and brilliance of traditional Lingnan architectural decorations. Additionally, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall frequently hosts various exhibitions and live demonstrations by inheritors of intangible cultural heritages, further enhancing its cultural significance.

Things to Do at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Main Attractions

Exquisite Ancestral Hall Architecture

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall represents the pinnacle of Lingnan architectural craftsmanship, showcasing the “three carvings and three sculptures” that characterize this style—stone carving, wood carving, brick carving, ceramic sculpture, clay sculpture, and plaster sculpture, as well as iron casting. Every part of the hall, from the rooms and courtyards to the galleries, halls, doors, windows, railings, walls, roof ridges, and beams, displays the exquisite detail and artistry of Lingnan architecture.

Juxian Hall

At the heart of the complex is the Juxian Hall, historically the Chen family’s meeting and congregation space. This grand hall features a row of 12 large double-sided carved wooden screen doors and is adorned with a prominent “Juxian Hall” signboard hanging high above. The hall’s center is graced with an acid-branch desk, arranged just as it was in the past, exuding solemnity and grandeur, ready to welcome important guests from afar as if expecting the Chen clan members themselves.

The Magnificent World of Lingnan Folk Arts

Stepping into the central eastern exhibition hall of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is like entering a palace of folk arts, rich with Lingnan characteristics. This hall is a collection of artisanal mastery, where each exhibit narrates the profound cultural heritage and unique charm of Lingnan. From exquisite wood carvings to delicate ceramics, from vivid folk stories to ingenious craft designs, every piece reflects the wisdom and talent of the Lingnan people. This space is not just an ocean of art; it is a feast of culture that inspires and captivates.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

• Adults: 10 RMB
• Students: 5 RMB, for students over 18 years old.
• Seniors: 5 RMB, for seniors aged 60-64.
• Free Admission: Children under 18 and seniors 65 and older.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays. (Ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM, visitors must clear out by 5:15 PM)

Ticket Purchase Channels

• Online: Via the official WeChat account “广东民间工艺博物馆” During Chinese public holidays, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Offline: Tickets can be purchased on-site by scanning a QR code.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Guided Tours

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall offers official guided tour services, which need to be booked on-site. Availability is ample for groups of up to five people, with minimal waiting times. For groups larger than five, it is necessary to wait for the corresponding guide to become available.

• Languages Available: Chinese, English
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Cost: Varies by language and guide level, typically a primary level guide suffices.
  • Chinese: Primary 130 RMB, Intermediate 160 RMB, Advanced 180 RMB, Star-level 200 RMB
  • English: Primary 260 RMB, Intermediate 320 RMB, Advanced 360 RMB, Star-level 400 RMB

Recommended Local Eats Near Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Chen Ji Sha Cha Noodles

• Why We Recommend It: The Sha Cha noodles feature a rich and savory broth infused with Sha Cha sauce and peanut butter, making every bite deliciously memorable.
• Address: No. 78 Liwan Road, Tangming Plaza Pedestrian Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Cost per Person: 16 RMB

Yeshi Seafood (Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Branch)

• Why We Recommend It: A favorite among locals for seafood, this stall features Hong Kong-style retro decor. The cream-filled butter shrimp is rich in flavor and leaves a lasting impression with each bite.
• Address: No. 333 Zhongshan 7th Road, Building 2 No. 114, Yangtao Science and Technology Square, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Cost per Person: 102 RMB

Xitang Desserts

• Why We Recommend It: A dessert snack shop renowned for its crispy pan-fried noodles with five-spice large intestines and rich sauce.
• Address: Shop 7, Ground Floor, No. 88 Liwan Road, Jinhua Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:45 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cost per Person: 33 RMB

Recommended Hotels Near Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Yizhi Hotel (Guangzhou Beijing Road Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Metro Station)

• Why We Recommend It: The location is convenient, right next to the metro station, just across the street, and a few minutes’ walk to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. It’s a ten-minute walk to Xihua Road and there’s a shopping mall nearby, making dining options easily accessible.
• Price per Night: 300 RMB
• More Information and Booking:Click here to view

Guangdong Yingbin Hotel

• Why We Recommend It: This historic four-star hotel resembles a large garden. It’s a five to six-minute walk to the subway station, with a bus stop right at the entrance; Bus 74 goes to Liwan Lake Park.
• Price per Night: 500 RMB
• More Information and Booking:Click here to view

How to Get to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall from Downtown Guangzhou

Metro

Reaching Chen Clan Ancestral Hall via Guangzhou Metro is very convenient. You can take the Metro Line 1 to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Station and exit at Exit D; or take Metro Line 8 to the same station and exit at Exit E. Both exits are located in close proximity to the Ancestral Hall, allowing for quick and easy access for visitors.

Bus

If you prefer to take a bus, several bus lines stop at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, including 17, 85, 88, 104, 107, 128, 193, 204, Guangzhou 205, 233, 250, Guangzhou 286, 413, Tourist Line 1, and Tourist Line 2. These services cover many areas of Guangzhou, providing convenient options for visitors.

Taxi/Ride-hailing

Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service from downtown Guangzhou to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 10 RMB. This is a quick and economical option, particularly suitable for those pressed for time or carrying multiple pieces of luggage.

How to Get to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Metro

From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, you can take Metro Line 3 to Tiyu Xilu Station, then transfer to Line 1 to reach Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Station. The total journey time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the fare is 7 RMB. This method is cost-effective and efficient, especially for first-time visitors to Guangzhou.

Taxi/Ride-hailing

Alternatively, taking a taxi or ride-hailing service directly from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall typically takes about 50 minutes and costs around 65 RMB. This option is more convenient and comfortable, especially for those with heavy luggage or preferring a more relaxed journey.

FAQ

Is Chen Clan Ancestral Hall accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is equipped with accessible facilities to accommodate the needs of all visitors. Most areas inside and around the hall are accessible by stroller and wheelchair. However, due to structural limitations of some ancient buildings, certain narrow or stepped areas may not be fully accessible by wheelchair. Visitors with special needs are advised to consult with the site in advance to ensure a smooth visit.

Where can I store luggage?

After passing the security check at the entrance, there are luggage lockers available. Storage is free for the first half-hour, then costs 1.5 RMB per hour thereafter.