Chen's Ancestral Temple in Longgong, Ancestral hall in Ninghai County, China

Chen's Ancestral Temple in Longgong (Xingjutang) is a 797.63-square-metre ancestral hall at the entrance of Longgong Village, facing south toward Longxi Stream with Lion Mountain behind. Its central axis runs from a screen wall through the front courtyard, ceremonial gate, middle courtyard, middle hall, theater stage and rear courtyard to the main hall, with side rooms flanking the rear courtyard. The ceremonial gate stands apart from the inverted seat, a layout rare among Ninghai ancestral halls.

The temple was built to support ancestral worship and keep the Chen family united across generations. Its designation as a nationally protected heritage site recognizes its importance as a record of the family's long history and the preservation of Chinese traditions.

The temple serves as a gathering place where family members come to honor their ancestors and conduct important clan affairs. The layout and decoration reflect how these family traditions have been maintained and practiced across generations.

The hall stands at the entrance of Longgong Village in Shenzhen Town, facing the Longxi River with Lion Mountain behind it, so approach from the village side. It is now used by the village elderly association, and local peasant painters display their work inside, so expect an active community space rather than a museum. The theater stage floor is raised 1.58 m above the ground and has no railing.

The walls and interior surfaces of the temple are covered with detailed stone carvings and inscriptions that document the accomplishments and values of many Chen family generations. These carved records show how the family preserved its own history and captured important moments for future descendants.