As we enter the heart of autumn in Xinzhuang Village, situated in the Northeast of Meitang Town in Yongxiu County, Jiangxi Province, the charm of the She ethnic culture comes to life. With its distinct She-style homes and a unique cultural square, visitors are flocking to admire the meticulously restored “Yang Si Lei” ancestral home. This transformation paints a vibrant picture of ecological tourism in rural areas, showcasing new vitality in this ancient village.
Xinzhuang is notable as the hometown of Lei Fada, the founder of the “Yang Si Lei” legacy. For over 260 years during the Qing Dynasty, the Lei family was responsible for royal architecture, with their influence found in iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace).
“I’m a big fan of Yang Si Lei culture and came here with my family to see the renovations of the ancestral home. It was absolutely stunning! The architectural blueprints, sample designs, and family letters displayed here truly embody a rich tradition of family values. It’s a vital part of our historical cultural identity,” shared Mr. Wang, a visitor from Nanchang.
With the growing interest in “Yang Si Lei,” Yongxiu County is capitalizing on this heritage. They have invested over 10 million yuan into restoring the ancestral home and establishing a dedicated exhibition hall. The exhibit focuses on Lei Fada’s contributions, creating a centerpiece for a comprehensive narrative around the innovation and global impact of “Yang Si Lei” culture in Yongxiu.
According to Mei Xiulong, the Party Secretary of Xinzhuang Village, recent years have seen a blending of “Yang Si Lei” cultural elements with She ethnic traditions. The village has adopted a model that combines She cultural villages with agriculture and tourism, leading to the creation of cultural squares and fields of canola flowers. They host traditional events like the Lantern Festival and “Three Marches,” making local folk songs, She cuisine, and agricultural products the village’s trademarks. Since April, the village has welcomed more than 18,000 visitors.
Economic prosperity is fundamental to rural revitalization. Xinzhuang Village actively harnesses its She cultural heritage to boost local industries, establishing two specialty farming cooperatives and three chicken farms, housing over 40,000 laying hens that produce around 32,000 eggs daily. In 2023, the village’s collective economic income exceeded 280,000 yuan, providing employment for over 60 people and increasing individual incomes by an average of 1,000 yuan.
A representative from the United Front Work Department of Yongxiu County emphasized their commitment to further protecting, inheriting, and exploring “Yang Si Lei” culture. They plan to enhance support for the She ethnic village while promoting the cultural brand of “Yang Si Lei,” fostering a strong sense of community and an integrated approach to cultural heritage protection.
