Chen Family Ancestral Hall in Xianshi

Chen Family Ancestral Hall in Xianshi

The Chen Family Ancestral Hall in Xianshi is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

The Chen Family Ancestral Hall faces southwest and is located on the banks of the FuXi River, with its main gate overlooking the Lower Wharf. It is one of the most representative buildings in Xianshi Ancient Town. Constructed in the first year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1862) by Chen Changyong, a scholar from Lingnan who served as the magistrate of Fushun County, the hall was built for clan members to conduct worship ceremonies and discuss important clan affairs. The overall building features a courtyard layout and is constructed in the flush-gable and post-and-lintel style. It extends 40.2 meters from north to south and is 19.2 meters wide from east to west, covering five bays.

The ancestral hall system originated in the Zhou Dynasty. In ancient times, scholars and officials were not permitted to build ancestral temples, which were exclusively reserved for the emperor. During the Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi advocated for family ancestral halls: each family was to establish a hall enshrining the spirit tablets of four generations—great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather, and father. The ancestral hall became a central place where clan authority and religious authority intertwined. Ancestral halls embody the integrated characteristics of the clan system and the state, serving as venues that unite ethnic solidarity. They are often the most grandiose and ornately decorated architectural complexes in both urban and rural areas—not only majestic in appearance but also infused with the essence of traditional Chinese culture. Alongside ancient pagodas, bridges, and temples, they form a unique local cultural landmark, representing the region’s economic development level and Confucian cultural heritage. These halls hold unparalleled influence and historical value.

Above the main gate hangs a wooden plaque coated in black lacquer, bearing three gilded characters “Chen Family Ancestral Hall.” As there is no signature, the identity of the calligrapher remains unknown. On the stone pillars on either side is an antithetical couplet: “Flowers bloom along the salt road to the town; Spring returns to the ancient hall of the clan.” Written by Guo Guanglan, a calligrapher from Zigong, the characters are vigorous and powerful, demonstrating remarkable skill.

Protected area: Extends 5 meters beyond the site boundary. Total area: 1,530 square meters.

Construction control zone: East to the entrance of Xianshi Old Street, north to Xianshi Middle School (Chuanzhu Temple), south to Huguang Temple, west to the FuXi River boundary. Total area: 5,880 square meters.

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Sichuan Province