Despite the vast distance, familial bonds remain unbroken. On November 18, members of Singapore's Fenyang Guo Clan Association crossed oceans to return to Pengdao Village in Nan'an City's Penghua Town, renowned as the "Doctor Village," for a heartfelt homecoming visit. They also took concrete actions to support Pengdao's rural revitalization efforts.
Pengdao Village is widely celebrated for its emphasis on education and culture. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the village has produced 33 Ph.D. holders and 155 master's degree holders or higher-level talents. This year alone, the small mountain village welcomed a new wave of academic achievements: 7 new Ph.D. holders, 15 master's degree holders, and 46 students excelling in national exams. Among them, 7 were admitted to "985 Project" national key universities, 5 to "211 Project" national key universities, and 2 outstanding youths entered military academies through hard work. This "doctor phenomenon" is rooted in the village's long-standing tradition of "farming and studying."
On November 18, the Guo Clan Ancestral Hall in Pengdao was filled with incense and the familiar sounds of hometown dialects. Over 30 Guo clan members from Singapore embarked on this emotional homecoming journey. The deep familial connection was palpable during the visit. A warm greeting in the Minnan dialect instantly bridged the distance among relatives. At the solemn ancestral hall, overseas descendants paid reverent homage to their forebears, their burning incense symbolizing profound nostalgia for their roots. "Though we live abroad, we never forget the grace and teachings of our ancestors," expressed the clan members, voicing their enduring homesickness.
Witnessing Pengdao's educational achievements and rapidly improving village conditions, the Singaporean clan members were deeply moved and inspired. Mr. Guo Zhiyang, Honorary President of the Fenyang Guo Clan Association, led by example, donating RMB 53,250 to support the ancestral hall, local education, and road maintenance. Other members, including Guo Jinfu and Guo Hongqi, also contributed generously. These funds will be used for village public welfare, particularly to reward outstanding students and assist those in need, ensuring the belief that "knowledge changes destiny" is passed down through generations.
This visit was not just a homecoming but a tangible expression of overseas Chinese's commitment to their homeland, reflecting their deep-rooted connection and responsibility. As Guo Zhiyang remarked, "We all share the Guo surname and bloodline—this is the strongest bond... one that grows deeper with time."
Guo Zhaofei, Director of the Pengdao Grand Ancestral Hall Management Committee, shared that clan member Guo Zanlei ventured to Singapore in his youth, building a successful business career while remaining devoted to his hometown's welfare. As early as the 1990s, he made significant contributions to rebuilding the ancestral hall and library. After his passing, his son, Guo Zhiyang, continued his legacy, returning multiple times to support local development. This two-generation dedication is forever cherished by the villagers.
"Pengdao's rural revitalization relies on the continuous efforts of its people and the unwavering support of overseas clan members like those from Singapore," said Guo Dongyu, Chairman of the Pengdao Village Charity Association (Guo Education Foundation) and President of Xiamen Guoyu Medical System. "With our cultural heritage of 'farming and studying,' the strong support of clan members worldwide, and the collective efforts of all Pengdao residents, our village's path to revitalization will only broaden, the reputation of the 'Doctor Village' will shine brighter, and our people's lives will flourish."
As they parted, both sides pledged to "bring more family members next time," setting the stage for future generational ties.