Cheng Clan Academy
The Cheng Clan Academy is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and anyone can visit it. Tourists often come here. The landmark is an ancient castle in Guangdong, built in the 19th century. The entrance fee is HK$12. If you take the subway, you need to get off at the first branch, which is called "Chen Clan Academy", you need to exit the D subway.
The History of the Cheng Clan Academy
At the end of the Qing Empire, Chinese immigrants who received American citizenship decided to build a temple in Guangdong Province as a tribute to their ancestors. At the same time, they wanted it to have not only a decorative, but also an educational role. This idea was supported by families from 72 districts, which made it possible to raise the necessary funds to start large-scale construction. All the work was completed by 1894, when the grand opening of the Academy of the Cheng clan took place.
In 1905, a school for civil servants from the Cheng clan began operating here. In 1957, the academy received the official status of a cultural monument. Local residents believe that this decision was quite fair. This made it possible to open a gallery of national art, which eventually became a full-fledged museum.
Description of the Cheng Clan Academy
It is a complex building system, similar to a rectangle. The academy covers an area of more than 13 thousand square meters. The complex includes 19 buildings of different sizes, which are interconnected by corridors. Thus, 6 courtyards were created. The entrance to the Cheng Clan Academy is decorated with statues of river gods. The academy has 9 ceremonial halls.
Visiting the attraction provides an opportunity to learn about the unofficial life of southern China, get acquainted with the local culture, traditions and customs. The landmark is called a work of art that fascinates at first sight. The palace complex presents the best examples of folk art. Every Wednesday of the third week of any month, admission to the Cheng Clan Academy is free. There is also no need to pay for admission on the second Saturday in June, when Hong Kong celebrates National Cultural Heritage Day on a large scale.
