Learn all about China's folklore as this historic temple-cum-museum.
This cultural treasure has served two distinct roles in its history: in 1894 the temple was built to honour the Chen family's ancestors and as an academy to educate Chen children. The ancient and wealthy family who have long been associated with Guangdong province financed the temple which is made up of six courtyards, nine halls and a number of other buildings. Some members of the Chen family lived at the temple while others used it as a place of worship. As you walk around the temple and grounds, pay special attention to the sculptures that decorate the roofs and doors, as they serve as representations of many of China's most famous classical legends and stories.Like many temples during China's tumultuous time of massive social and economic change in the 1950s and 60s, the temple was commandeered by the government and in 1959, it was turned into the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum to showcase the history of handicrafts.The temple is surprisingly under-visited so if you choose to go you're almost guaranteed a relaxing time and the opportunity to study the displays in peace. As you walk through the museum, look out for the collection of ivory carvings and sculptures as well as ornaments and utensils intended for daily use. There are also displays dedicated to other traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, porcelain and embroidery. Some of the rosewood furniture that the family used is on display and the wood carvings on the tables and chairs are especially fine.Once you've explored inside the museum, the courtyards are very relaxing places to be, and there are plenty of seats where you can sit and contemplate your surroundings.Situated in central Guangzhou, the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum is best reached by subway via the Chen Clan Academy Station. The compound is open daily.
