Moreover, the tip of the ridge crests are flying cods, which were believed to be a half-dragon half-fish creature. These flying cod figures have tentacles reaching out from the roof to the sky, which make the profile of the building more elegant. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is notable for the rich decoration which exist inside, outside the halls and in almost every beams, ridges, walls and columns. Visit Five Rams StatuePerched atop Yuexiu Hill, the iconic Five Rams Statue stands as a symbol of Guangzhou’s rich history. Carved from over 130 pieces of granite, this monumental sculpture depicts the legendary creatures that transformed the city from a barren land to a thriving metropolis. According to ancient lore, five immortal beings rode these rams, bearing gifts of rice cultivation to the grateful people.
The building was also a shrine to worship the Chen family ancestors, and it looks much like a southern Chinese temple shrine. The buildings in the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall are fully decorated with wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, pottery, stucco relief, iron and copper casting and colored drawing. The content of these decoration are mostly flowers, birds, Cantonese fruits and scenes in traditional dramas. Some of the decorations are even the combination of Chinese and western culture, which shows the social status at that time. Praised as the pearl of Lingnan architectural art, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is the most complete, largest, and the most magnificently decorated ancestral hall in Guangzhou. This palace of art could be a visual feast with seven wonders - wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, pottery figures, stucco relief, iron and copper casting and colored drawing.
Discover where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit to this cultural gem in Northern Thailand. Explore the top 10 hotels in Tainan for a luxurious and comfortable stay. Explore the festive magic of Christmas in Hong Kong with our comprehensive travel guide. There are so many other sights to explore in Guangzhou, including the popular Guangzhou Chimelong Holiday Resort which features a safari park, a zoo, a circus, an amusement park, a water park, a golf center, and a resort all in one.
Discover cheap hotels, local attractions, and travel tips for an unforgettable experience. This guide is your companion to exploring the intricate beauty of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, with its stunning architecture and invaluable artifacts, and the serene elegance of Shamian Island, a testament to Guangzhou’s colonial past. Through these explorations, you’ll discover the soul of Guangzhou – a city that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, inviting travelers to dive deep into its unique cultural tapestry. An all-in-one ancestral shrine, Confucian school and ‘chamber of commerce’ for the Chen clan, this compound was built in 1894 by the residents of 72 villages in Guangdong, where the Chen lineage is predominant. There are 19 buildings in the traditional Lingnan style, all featuring exquisite carvings, statues and paintings, and decorated with ornate scrollwork throughout.
Tourism at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall has seen steady growth due to its rich historical significance and the magnificent display of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including wood carving, stone carving, clay sculpture, and pottery. The hall's fame spread internationally, and it became a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Guangzhou. Today, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Guangzhou’s cultural heritage. It houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, which showcases traditional crafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and wood carving. The hall also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, allowing visitors to learn about the region’s history and traditions.
Still retaining its original structure as well as its stature as a cultural icon, this is a captivating complex referred to as the Pearl of Lignan Architecture providing much visual pleasure and a treat for lovers of different architecture. Surname Chen belonged to many Chinese people in Guangdong Province in the late 19th century who wished to put up an ancestral hall in Guangzhou. Contributions were called for from the Chen Clan members who would get an ancestral tablet in the hall.
Guangzhou’s vibrant culture comes alive during its many festivals and events, particularly near the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island. The Dragon Boat Festival, with lively races along the Pearl River, offers a thrilling spectacle each summer. The Mid-Autumn Festival transforms these areas into a magical landscape, adorned with lanterns and offering a special opportunity to taste the local mooncakes. Participating in these local celebrations provides a deeper understanding of Guangzhou’s traditions and community spirit.
Here you can see some pictures of traditional Guangzhou furniture like you see in the first "Ip Man" movie and the inside of the Chen House. Also called Chen Clan Academy or Chen's Lineage Hall it was financed by Chen family members to honor their ancestors and motivate their children. Now it serves as Guangdong Folk Arts Museum to show the most characteristic Guangdong architecture.I was late and had to rush through it but the atmosphere there was comfortable and relaxed. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader who overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China, is honored within these walls, a testament to his enduring legacy. Follow me to have a close look at the magnificent carvings, statues and paintings with ornate scrollwork throughout the whole buildings of the ancestral shrine.