Houpu Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Introduction
The Chen family is the largest clan in Kinmen, widely dispersed across the island, with a thriving population known as the "Thirteen Chens." The main ancestral hall of the "Thirteen Chens" is the Yingchuan Hall in Houpu, which bears the lantern title "Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince." The establishment of Yingchuan Hall was initiated in the 26th year of the Guangxu era (1900) and was constructed in the 30th year of the Guangxu era (1904). It underwent renovations in the 63rd year of the Republic of China. In the 86th year of the Republic of China, a stone archway supported by four columns and three openings was built at the entrance of the ancestral hall, funded by Chen Chongguang. The materials and craftsmanship for the archway were sourced from the mainland, featuring intricate decorations. In addition, stone platforms donated by the executive secretary of the clan association further enhance the grandeur and magnificence of the entire ancestral hall. The Chen family ancestral hall follows traditional wooden architecture, consisting of two sections, nine beams, and a three-opening layout. The main body of the walls is made of brick and stone, while the entrance columns and interior are inscribed with couplets. The roof is covered with green cylindrical tiles, and the stone carvings are primarily made from Quanzhou white stone and blue-dyed stone, with wooden components featuring openwork carvings and colored paintings. Among these, the gilded couplets on the Golden Pillar were completed in the 2nd year of the Xuantong era (1910) and are considered the best in Kinmen. Additionally, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were 13 scholars from the Chen clan, and their plaques are prominently displayed at the Zhongxian Temple, which is a notable feature.
