Chen Clan Academy, Folk art museum and ancestral temple in Guangzhou, China.
Chen Clan Academy is a museum and ancestral temple in Guangzhou comprising 19 buildings with nine halls and six courtyards arranged symmetrically along a north-south axis. The complex follows traditional Chinese architectural design and spans 13,200 square meters.
The complex was built in 1894 through funding from 72 different Chen clan branches. During the Qing Dynasty it served as housing for students preparing for imperial examinations.
The complex displays the traditional crafts of Guangdong province through intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, pottery figures, and metal engravings found throughout the halls and courtyards. These works show how local artisans decorated their spaces and passed down their skills across generations.
The museum is located at 34 Enlong Lane on Zhongshan 7th Road in Liwan District and opens daily to visitors. Allow time to walk through the different halls and courtyards at a relaxed pace.
The eleven roof ridges adorning the nine great halls feature 224 ceramic figures depicting characters from classical Chinese literature and drama. These colorful figures tell well-known stories and often go unnoticed even though they crown the rooflines.
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