Residents earn PhD degrees from prestigious institutions, including Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University, Cambridge, and Cornell
Residents earn PhD degrees from prestigious institutions, including Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University, Cambridge, and Cornell
A village in southeastern China has earned the nickname “PhD Village” due to its remarkable achievement of producing 33 offspring who have obtained doctoral degrees from prestigious universities, both domestically and internationally.
Pengdao Village, part of Nanan City in Fujian province, gained widespread attention at the end of August after a video showcasing a grand scholarship presentation held at the local ancestral clan hall went viral, as reported by the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald.
This ceremony, marking the second occurrence in its history, is sponsored by the Guo Family Education Fund, reflecting the dominant presence of individuals surnamed Guo in the village. This year’s award recipients included one student admitted to Tsinghua University as a PhD candidate, 15 who will begin their master’s degree studies, and 46 undergraduates set to enter university in September.
During the ceremony, these accomplished students donned red sashes inscribed with the Chinese characters wu zu zhi guang, translating to “the glory of our ancestral clan.” They were filmed holding incense and bowing before the memorial tablets of their ancestors.
In total, the scholarship fund awarded a combined 217,000 yuan (US$30,000), with the highest individual grant reaching 8,000 yuan.
To date, 33 residents from this small hamlet have earned PhD degrees from esteemed institutions, including Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University, Cambridge University in Britain, and Cornell University in the US.
Red scrolls bearing the names of these PhD graduates and their respective schools were hung prominently on a major building in the village.
Nestled in a remote mountainous area, the village is home to around 6,000 residents. Historically, it struggled with poverty due to limited arable land, prompting locals to prioritise education for generations.
Guo Dongyu, director of the local Guo Family Education Fund, shared that the village has a long-standing tradition of valuing education, with parents emphasising the importance of guiding their children from an early age. “Our award is designed to inspire students to cherish our country and hometown, engage in charitable acts, and work diligently,” Guo commented.
Rural communities in China often commemorate top students with grand ceremonies.
For instance, in July, a student from eastern Zhejiang province, who was accepted into the prestigious Peking University, captured social media attention when his ancestral clan organised a major celebration, marking him as the first student in a century from his family to achieve this milestone.
The Fujian PhD Village has become a sensation on mainland social media. “Many attribute their success to good feng shui. However, I believe it is a result of a supportive atmosphere where everyone strives for excellence,” remarked one online observer.
Another user expressed admiration, stating: “What a wonderful place! I would love to move there with my child.”
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