Chen Clan Academy

    The Chen Clan Academy, locally named the Chen Ancestral Hall, is located outside the west gate of Guangzhou City and built during the Qing Dynasty (1888-1894). Contributed by the Chen families in 72 counties of Guangdong Province, the academy served as the hall for ancestor worship as well as a temporary residence for the Chen descendants when they came to the provincial capital for the official discussion about the affairs of the Chen family.

    Covering a total area of 15,000 square meters, the Chen Clan Academy is a symmetrical complex comprising 19 single buildings in a square form. While the central axis is flanked on both sides by halls and wing-rooms, the single buildings are interspaced by courtyards and connected with verandas. As the largest, best preserved and most gorgeously decorated traditional building in Guangdong Province, Chen Clan Academy is regarded as a bright pearl among the artistic buildings.

    As an important historic and cultural site under state protection, the Chen Clan Academy is chosen as one of the Eight Sights of the Goat City in the New Century and becomes the most culturally and artistically featured museum as well as a famous scenic spot in South China.