Life of Guangzhou - Urban Renovation Brings New Life to Chen Clan Academy

Illustrations of the Chen Clan Academy after reconstruction

The Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠) is one of few old hisotrical buildings in Guangzhou to have survived the 20th century and is a testimony to Lingnan architecture. Built in 1890, the ancestral hall is now a museum exhibiting Lingnan handicrafts and since 1988 is one of Guangzhou's eight important tourism sites.

Today it is protected by the local government and Liwan district has undertaken a vast renovation campaign of the areas surrounding it ahead of the Asian Games which open in November.

Nearby buildings and Guangzhou No.4 Junior High School have been pulled down and a 50,000 square meter park has been built, creating a peaceful and green environment. The second step of the campaign shall see the area decorated with typical Lingnan features including abundand plants and sculptures, a special food street, souvenir shops and a large public square which shall host temporary exhibitions.

Foreign visitors pose in front of the Chen Clan Academy

Combined illustrations of the Chen Clan Academy after reconstruction

(By Hong Yin, David Keyton)

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