The Chen Clan Academy is not only an important heritage site under protection by the country, it is also a local Guangdong handicraft museum. It was built in 1890-4 by the Chen family in Guangdong's 72 counties to worship their ancestors. The traditional style of the academy and the numerous artistic treasures it contains will take visitors back in time to the Qing Dynasty.
The Academy faces south and occupies an area of 13,200 sq. meters and contains a main structure, Eastern Courtyard, Western Courtyard, Back Garden, and the Lawn. Juxian Hall is the central building within the Academy, and its central axle makes the hall symmetrical. The inside and the outside of the Hall are decorated with stone, brick, wood, and clay sculptures, as well as skillfully cast steel.
However, the sign reading Chen Clan Academy on the main entrance of the academy is a highlight of the visit. The doors are painted with brightly colored door-gods, and together with the huge stone lions at the entrance, are quite impressive.
The Chen Clan Academy also boasts a variety of local handicrafts: ivory, jade, wood, and coconut sculptures, paper-cuttings, ceramics, traditional clothing and costumes, and furniture. The themes represented are: historical legends and myths, nature, and gardens.
