“Deep” how deep is it really? The name \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 has multiple layers of meaning. This village is not just any ordinary village.
Let’s explore the history of \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802. Over 700 years ago this village was as rich as gold. It has produced remarkable people. These people made unique contributions to history and culture. Their stories are endless.
Initially named “Ningrenli” it meant tranquility and benevolence. Later it was renamed “Jinlun”. This meant “holding the sun in both hands and reviving glory.”
So how did it become \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802?
One theory says \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 sits on a small island. It was formed by the Pearl River. The river’s waters mixed with the salty tides. So almost every home had a well. These wells had fresh water. Therefore it was named \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802.
Another story involves roast goose. The villagers raised geese. The goose meat was tender and delicious. To roast the goose they used special wells. These wells had good mud. People loved “Deep Well Roast Goose”. So the village became known for the goose.
I prefer a different story. Ling Zhen a military official twice recovered Guangzhou. His sixth son Ling Fangming chose “Jinlun Village”. The island was surrounded by water and mountains. He changed his name to “Qian Yi”. He also changed “Jinlun” to “\u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802”. It meant hiding in the deep city wells.
During the Ming Dynasty Ling Zida was implicated in a case. His family was killed. The villagers feared being exterminated. They removed the “Jinlun” stone plaque at night. They officially changed the village name to “\u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802”.
\u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 has many ancestral halls. The Ling family has seven. These halls were also used as schools.
The village is known as a “traditional Chinese village”. It has many old trees. Some are over 150 years old. How did these halls and trees survive?
\u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 is immeasurably deep. Its people live steadily. “Deep” is wisdom. It shapes customs and traditions.
\u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 values both academics and martial arts. The village produced seven scholars. Three of them were martial arts scholars.
Interestingly this small island produced so many scholars. This is unique in Guangdong. How could a place of seclusion produce so many successful people?
Living by water brings wealth. “Hiding” allows one to study. Studying leads to understanding. Understanding cultivates courage. “Hiding” is cultivation not a goal.
\u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 was the first “international village” in China. Foreign sailors stored fresh water here. Villagers learned foreign languages. In 1735 Yang Yongxun reported that villagers spoke foreign languages.
Some historians say that misunderstandings arose during meetings between Emperor Qianlong and the Macartney mission because of language barriers. \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 villagers had to communicate with foreigners. They built sheds near the sea. They sold food and offered services. There were conflicts between foreign sailors.
Emperor Qianlong only allowed the French to enter \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802. The British could only stay in Changzhou Village. \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 has a “foreign cemetery”. It contains hundreds of graves. Some villagers traded with foreigners. They evaded taxes.
So is \u6df1\u4e95\u6751\u7960\u5802 really deep? I will let you decide.