A 'strange' village in Guangdong province whose surname cannot be found among hundreds of surnames, villagers claim to be descendants of Xianbei

The Chinese culture is said to be deep and full of wonders. If you want to understand Chinese culture, you must read One Hundred Surnames as a child. It records origin of many Chinese surnames, but did you know?

Not all surnames will be recorded in "One Hundred Surnames". There is a strange village in Guangdong province, whole village has one surname, but it is not recorded in "Hundred Surnames". It is also a village with a long history.

(1) The entire village belongs to one clan, whose history goes back hundreds of years

This village is located in Xiaonan Village, Heshan City, Guangdong Province. This is a village with a long history, specific period of which cannot be traced, but it is clearly shown in genealogical tree of village. Once upon a time, a Xianbei nicknamed bald came here, and this is also founder of this village.

Some friends may find this name a little funny, but this double surname did exist in history, but Xianbei people at that time used their own language, so name bald hair was also transliterated. As a minority, the Xianbei people have a wealth of historical experience.

But with development of history, ethnic minorities gradually disappeared or changed their surnames in order to integrate into Han people. During Northern Wei Dynasty, ancestor was highly regarded by emperor. The emperor believed that ancestor was destined to be with him. To show his glory, he changed ancestor's surname to Yuan. It also means that ancestor and emperor were destined for each other.

People with same surname as first ancestors also gradually began to change their surnames, and gradually entire bald Xianbei people changed their surname to Han, called "Yuan" clan. Also because of this fate, bald Xianbei gradually got rid of fate of nomads and began to migrate inland. Gradually, their customs and habits became more and more similar to Han. Residence in hinterland gradually took hold, and family inheritance gradually began.

(2) Very peculiar architecture

Due to village's long history, Xiaonan Village has also been culturally influenced by Xianbei. The influence of culture also affects architectural style. Xiaonan Village, which is a tourist attraction, is a small town with ethnic characteristics. The city has a distinct culture, and many of bricks and tiles have exquisite frescoes.

Walk in it, as if you came to water city of Jiangnan. But difference is that this place is not distinguished by exquisite beauty of a small town in south of Yangtze River, but by majestic atmosphere built of blue bricks and black tiles. There are two wells in very center of city. From our point of view, these are two most common wells.

The only difference is that one is round and other is square. But from explanations next to him and from lips of townspeople, we learned that these two wells were also built by local residents in memory of their ancestors.

Among them, square hole represents day and round hole represents month. The combination of two wells is called Riyue, in memory of ancestors of bald people who once lived on Mount Riyue.

This village has always attached great importance to inheritance of history, so construction of Sun and Moon Well is also proof of this concept. With exception of these two wells, village is full of features.

Whether it's a slightly broken bluestone slab or a rain-corroded brick wall, they all speak silently to weight of story. Culture and architecture have always complemented each other, we can appreciate architecture through culture and we can naturally trace culture through architecture.

(3) The villagers are very good at doing business

In ancient times, aristocratic families often had jobs they were good at. It is said that in ancient times, scientists, farmers and trade dominated, and under Qing Dynasty, trade gradually increased its status. Shanxi Merchants, Wechat Merchants and other aristocratic families are famous for doing business through long distance travel.

The Yuan clan people are no exception.During late Qing Dynasty and even during Republic of China period, Yuan clan people were known throughout China for doing business mainly by selling health tea . And it has been passed down from generation to generation. After founding of New China, clan member established a pharmaceutical factory in Foshan, Guangdong Province, specializing in production of this healing tea.

However, clan members of Xiaonan Village are not limited to just selling medicinal tea as a business method. They know very well that they rely on mountains to fall and rely on everyone to run, so besides selling tea, they have many ways of doing business. Clan members helped each other, forming a complex business scheme.

In general, from today's point of view, this family is good at doing business. It is not only inherited from ancestors, but is also influenced by atmosphere in family. She has a subconscious business mind and is good at starting a business. opportunities, uses them and seeks to develop.

In fact, there are many villages in China like Xiaonan Village. All ethnic groups in China adhere to concept of mutual support, whether they are Han Chinese or ethnic minorities, they all respect each other. Although surname of Xiaonan Village cannot be found in "Hundred Surnames", this does not mean that Xiaonan Village is not recognized by history.

On other hand, a village with such a long history also attracts many tourists who want to go sightseeing. Since this village has historical charm, unique architecture and unique culture, it's no wonder it attracts so many enthusiastic tourists.