The temple was built with money from the wealthy Chen family clan, which spreads across 72 counties in Guangdong province. The project was completed in 1874 and illustrates the Chinese tradition of successful family members investing in a legacy to worship their ancestors. The Chen's have been well known in the region since the late Qing Dynasty when one of their members achieved third place in the highest nationwide imperial examination and thus received a high ranking position in the imperial court serving the emperor.

What makes Ancestral Temple of Chen Family distinctive is the extensive application of the various techniques just like wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings, clay sculpture, ash sculpture, brass and iron foundry, grotto and other forms of art. The sculptural technique expresses simplicity and ruggedness, precision and exquisiteness, each setting off the other. The special historical, artistic, and scientific aspects of the temple have made it an important attraction in Guangzhou.