Ji Lue Huang Ancestral Hall: Experience the Pinnacle of Chaozhou Woodcarving Art

This time, we visited the Ji Lue Huang Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece showcasing the woodcarving art of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tucked away in a small alley of Chaozhou's ancient city, this private ancestral hall is a hidden gem. Although it is a ticketed attraction, I initially planned to just wander around the ancient city. However, after learning about the remarkable craftsmanship of this hall, I decided to buy a ticket and take a look. By the end of the visit, I found the ticket price to be well worth it. Built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1887), Ji Lue Huang Ancestral Hall is a two-section ancestral hall with a unique architectural layout featuring four facing halls. The structure is adorned with exquisite woodcarvings on the beams, depicting a rich variety of subjects such as dragons, phoenixes, lions, landscapes, figures, flowers, birds, insects, and fish. These carvings are not merely representations of animals and characters but also incorporate elements from operatic legends and folk tales, blending artistic beauty with storytelling. It truly lives up to its reputation as the 'Finest Woodcarving in South China,' with its extraordinary craftsmanship making it a must-see attraction. ➤ Ji Lue Huang Ancestral Hall 📍 No. 2, Tiexiang, Yian Road, Xiangqiao Street, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City 💰 10 RMB/person 🕐 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM