Chen Te-hsing Hall Introduction
Chen De-Xing Hall is the ancestral hall of the Chen clan in the Taipei area, designed and built by the famous Taiwanese craftsman Chen Ying-Bin. The front hall features a double-eave, hip-and-gable roof, exquisite wooden structure, and beautifully crafted dougong (bracket sets). The eaves and roof ridges have smooth curves, showcasing high artistic value. The stone-carved double dragon columns at the front hall are considered one of the earliest examples of the "one-column, double-dragon" design in modern Taiwan, which has had a profound influence on later temple constructions. The main hall boasts a giant altar with rich wood carvings, characterized by intricately carved railings. The complete set of tin ritual utensils and the immortal candle stand in front of the altar are exquisitely designed and are rare examples in Taiwan. Today, aside from serving as the Chen clan's ancestral hall, it also operates as a kindergarten on regular days, and its maintenance is quite good. It won the Preservation Contribution Award in the 3rd National Cultural Heritage Preservation Award by the Ministry of Culture in 2014, making it worth a visit. After visiting Chen De-Xing Hall, you can also stroll over to the neighboring Ningxia Night Market, which is full of authentic Taiwanese flavor! (Some content sourced from the Taipei City Cultural Bureau website)
