Chen Ancestral Hall

After visiting the flower pagoda and temple, we went to the Chen Ancestral Hall. The picture above is of silk worms being removed from the silk cocoons. The silk worm spins the silk around itself. The man removes the worm from the cocoon and drops him into the water. Then the cocoon of silk gets stretched and dried, and beautiful silk fabric is the end result. Very cool! The Chen family compound was build during the Qing dynasty in 1888. Chen families from 72 counties of Guangdong Province, contributed financially to have it built. They would then gather there for ancestor worship, family meetings, imperial examinations or provincial business. Jackie Chan is a member of this family by the way. This was a very wealthy family and the buildings and grounds are extensive. It wasn't destroyed during the cultural revolution because the family hung banners for Chairman Mao on the front of the compound. The government did take it over in 1959 though, and made it into a museum.

The courtyards connect the various wings, but the whole compound is enclosed behind walls and heavy doors. You could roam the courtyards, but still be enclosed withing the compound.

The various wings now house different displays. The first is filled with well preserved Chen family furnishings from the Qing period, the second houses antique ink stones, porcelain, and ivory carvings, next is silk painting demonstrations and a gallery, and then the silk making section where you can see the whole process from silk worm through finished product.

The doors to the compound are gigantic and heavy. The paintings are meant to keep out evil spirits. You can still see homes in more rural areas with these type doors which were the norm for wealthy family's during Imperial times.

This is an interesting representation of the hiarchial nature of Chinese culture. Lions represent power. At the entry to wealthy homes or many government buildings, including the Imperial Palace in Beijing, you'll see a lion at each side of the entry. One with his paw on a ball---symbolizing the male with control over the world, and the other with its paw on a cub, symbolizing the female raising the children


The Hall has many spirit carvings along the top, and dragons placed strategically to symbolize the power of the family

This was a really cool day. So interesting, even the ride between stops was a feast for the eyes. We love Shamian Island, but enjoyed getting into Guangzhou proper and seeing more of China. What an exotic and fascinating country. We are honored to visit here and learn about the heritage of our daughter.

After this stop, we went to the provincial arts and crafts center, where they demonstrate and sell examples of arts and crafts specific to Guangdong province. We bought Amelia a porcelain tea set and an eggshell porcelain vase, only made here in Guangzhou.