Ancestral Temple of the Chen Clan

Ancestral Temple of the Chen Clan

The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Clan is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen, commonly known as the Iron Tomb of Duke Hu, is located by the South Altar Lake on the southeastern shore of Longhu Lake in Huaiyang. It is the ancestral tomb of the Chen surname in China.

Duke Hu of Chen, whose given name was Gui Man, was a descendant of Emperor Shun. After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang Dynasty, he enfeoffed Gui Man in the Chen region and gave him his eldest daughter, Da Ji, in marriage. Gui Man, a man of great vision and strategy, established the State of Chen, built the city of Chen, developed various industries, and brought prosperity to the people, making the State of Chen one of the twelve major feudal states. Gui Man died in the State of Chen and was buried here. King Wu of Zhou granted him the surname Chen based on the state he was enfeoffed in, thus he was called Duke Hu of Chen. Naturally, Duke Hu of Chen became the founding ancestor of the Chen surname, which explains the origin of the Chen family name.

During the time of Duke Hu of Chen’s death, it was an era when tombs had no mounds, but for kings, nobles, and esteemed civil and military officials, memorial halls could be built atop the tombs. Therefore, the burial chamber of Duke Hu of Chen was constructed underground, while the memorial hall above ground no longer exists. Archaeologists have discovered pottery shards from the Western Zhou Dynasty and roof tiles from the Warring States Period here, confirming the architectural features of Duke Hu of Chen’s tomb and memorial hall in ancient times. The Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Liangchen wrote in a poem: “A cleverly cast iron coffin lies hidden beneath the waters, while the radiant legacy of his descendants shines upon the world.” Historical records state that Duke Hu’s tomb was cast in molten iron, hence it is also called the Iron Tomb of Duke Hu. The current tomb was reconstructed in 1995 by the renowned Singaporean entrepreneur Mr. Chen Yonghe, who funded the project on the original tomb mound. The tomb is built with grayish-brown bricks that give it the appearance of iron, resembling an iron tomb.

The descendants of Duke Hu of Chen are numerous, numbering over 80 million, spread across the world. For over 3,000 years and spanning more than 120 generations, especially in Fujian and Taiwan, there is a saying that “Chens and Lins make up half the world,” making the Chen clan a truly grand and prominent lineage. Chen people around the world share a common belief: “The Chens are spread across the world, but Huaiyang is our ancestral home; there are 80 million Chens, all descended from Duke Hu.” The stone archway at the entrance bears the couplet: “From Kuangqiu emerged lofty saintly achievements that shine through the ages; the Chen surname stands enduring, with descendants spread across the five continents.” As a result, an increasing number of Chen descendants from all over come to trace their roots and pay homage to their ancestors. Notable figures such as Singapore’s Chen Yonghe and Thailand’s Chen Shao-yang, chairman of the Thai Chen Clan Association, have led large ancestral worship delegations to Huaiyang to seek their roots, offering donations and flags as tokens of sincerity. When the president of the Macau Chen Clan Association, Chen Nianshun, led clan members and representatives of Yingchuan School to Huaiyang for an ancestral pilgrimage, they also established a sister-school relationship with Huaiyang Middle School. As for the Chen ancestors worshipped in places like Xinzheng, Gushi in Henan, Shunde in Guangdong, and Xiamen in Fujian, they are the founding ancestors of the local Chen branches from those regions.

In front of the tomb stands a massive stele inscribed by Chen Tianran, a contemporary Chinese calligrapher and descendant of Duke Hu. The steles on both sides are donation plaques.

To better welcome Chen dignitaries from home and abroad seeking their roots and paying homage, as well as visitors from all directions for sightseeing, the local government has now formulated a comprehensive plan to restore the Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen. Currently, the tomb complex covers an area of 58 mu, surrounded by water on three sides, with beautiful scenery. The planned structures within the park include: the First Ancestral Hall of the Chen Clan – the Temple of Duke Hu of Chen, branch ancestral halls for various lineages, the Chen Clan Museum, the Chen Clan Academy, the Chen Clan Hall of Fame, the Chen Clan Stele Forest, and the Spirit Pagoda. With the support of the local government and the efforts of the Chen clan, the sacred path leading to Duke Hu of Chen’s tomb has been renovated, a new square has been built in front of the tomb, a grand stone archway has been erected, and the elegantly designed Hall of Duke Hu is nearing completion. If esteemed members of the Chen clan and visionary individuals can contribute to the restoration of the Tomb of Duke Hu of Chen and help bring this project to fruition, this site will surely become a sacred place for Chen descendants to trace their roots and pay homage, as well as an ideal destination for visitors from all over.

Source: Huaiyang Government Website