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The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family,
built between 1890 and 1894 during the reign of Emperor
Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, is the largest, best preserved, and best
decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong province.
It was built with donations of members of the Chen family who lived in
the 72 counties of the Guangdong province. After its completion, the temple
was used to provide lodgings for Chen family candidates who came from
all over Guangdong to in order to prepare for the imperial examinations
to be held in Guangzhou. Hence it was also called the Chen Clan Academy.
Occupying an area of 15,000 square meters, the temple, has a rectangular
main building and comprises six courtyards, nine main halls, and nineteen
buildings. With an architectural design of traditional Guangdong style,
the temple is especially renowned for its beautiful decorations. In the
temple, historical figures, legends, and scenes are represented in many
art forms, including wood carving, brick carving, pottery carving, stone
carving, lime carving, clay sculpture, ash sculpture, brass and cast iron,
grotto, new year painting, and so on. These artistic and historical attributes
make the temple an important attraction in Guangzhou.
In 1986, it was designated as an important cultural relic by the State
Council. The temple now is the site of the Museum of Guangdong Folk Arts
and Crafts.
Admission Fee: RMB 10
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 17:20
Recommended Time for a Visit: 45 minutes
Bus Route: 55,61,74,34
Electric Bus oute: 104
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