In the rolling hills of Chizhou, Anhui Province, Yuansi Village—a settlement with roots stretching back a millennium—is getting its story told like never before. 📜 Former teacher Zhang Xinjing and a team of retired educators and scholars are racing against time to compile the village’s annals, blending historical records, folklore, and modern updates into a cultural tapestry.
🌄 'We’re not just writing history—we’re reigniting pride,' says Zhang. The project aims to connect younger generations and diaspora residents with Yuansi’s heritage, from ancient architecture to fading traditions. It’s part memoir, part time capsule, and 100% community love. ❤️
Fun fact: Local legends say the village was founded by scholars escaping political turmoil—a vibe that still echoes in its cobblestone paths and weathered temples. 🏯 Now, with modernization reshaping rural China, this effort offers a lifeline to cultural identity. 🌏✨
Why care? As one resident put it: 'Knowing where you’re from helps you see where you’re going.' 🗺️ Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good origin story, Yuansi’s chronicles remind us that every village has a soul worth preserving.
Reference(s):
Snapshots of Modernization: Compiling an ancient village's annals
cgtn.com