Visit to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou: what attracts Italian President?

On the afternoon of November 11, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his delegation visited the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, experiencing firsthand the charm of Lingnan traditional culture, exploring the stories there, and seeking new opportunities for cooperation. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall became the first stop of his Guangdong visit.

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, inscribed with the words "Chen Clan Academy" on its plaque, was a shared clan temple built with donations from Chen clan members in 72 counties in Guangdong Province during the Qing Dynasty. With a history of 131 years, it originally served as a place for members of the Chen family to stay while preparing for imperial examinations, waiting for official appointments, paying taxes, or engaging in legal matters. The hall, renowned as the gem of Lingnan artistic architecture, is also home to the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts, carrying profound historical significance and unique artistic allure.

"I really like this wood carving. To think that such exquisite craftsmanship existed at that time is truly remarkable," said President Mattarella after learning about the traditional Chaozhou woodcarving techniques, which involve the use of multiple lacquer layers and gold leaves.

As he walked through the ancient hallways of the ancestral hall, President Mattarella listened attentively to the guide's explanations, learning about the history of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the traditional Chinese architectural decoration arts, such as wood carving, brick carving, stone carving, stucco reliefs, pottery ridges, bronze and iron casting, and painting. These crafts reflect the life philosophy, artistic aesthetics, and spiritual pursuits of the people of Lingnan, piquing the interest of the president and his delegation.

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

In addition to the architecture, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, as a national first-class museum, houses over 20,000 items (sets) of precious cultural relics and modern craft masterpieces, including nearly 3,000 national-level relics. In the Lingnan Folk Crafts Exhibition Hall, President Mattarella took time to appreciate a large wood carving titled "100 Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix." He leaned in closely to examine the piece and even inquired about its historical story. When he learned that the phoenix symbolizes auspiciousness and harmony, he nodded in agreement.

At the end of his visit, President Mattarella signed the guestbook in the east wing of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, leaving a message: "Admired the extraordinary works of craftsmanship in China's millennia-old civilization."

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

President Mattarella is on a state visit to China from November 7 to 12, marking his return to China after seven years. Before arriving in Guangdong, he visited Beijing, Zhejiang, and other regions. His delegation includes his daughter Laura Mattarella, Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli, and Italian Ambassador to China Luca Ferrari, among others.