The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: Lingnan architecture and history at its finest

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy, was built in 1888 with funds donated by the Chen family from 72 counties in Guangdong Province. It is one of the largest traditional Cantonese architectural complexes in existence, and the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely decorated ancestral hall-style building in Guangdong. It is known as the "Ancestral Hall of Guangdong" and the "Pearl of Lingnan Architecture." The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a masterpiece of Lingnan architectural craftsmanship and decoration. Almost all of its halls, corridors, doors, windows, railings, walls, ridges, and beams showcase the superb skills of Lingnan architecture, including "three carvings, two sculptures, one casting, and one painting." Strolling through the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, you can look up and see the colorful carvings on the roof, which are vivid and lifelike, shining brightly in the sunlight, as if telling ancient stories. China is an agricultural nation, where individuals need the protection of family power. China is also a society of human relationships, where clans, bloodlines, and interpersonal relationships have formed over thousands of years of imperial rule. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a good microcosm of this. Visiting these ancient buildings not only inspires admiration for the craftsmen's exquisite skills and improves one's aesthetic sense, but also provides an opportunity to learn about Chinese history and human nature, and to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary life and politics. History is a moment in the past, and the moments we see now are the lives of the participants at that time, whether they are full of joy and sorrow or painted in bold or light colors. Thinking of this, one can be at peace with one's own destiny. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall