Ox horn monument. It stands tall in Qianjiadong Yao Ethnic Township. It commemorates a remarkable discovery. Are you ready to delve into the tale of a people and their long-lost homeland?
Qianjiadong Yao Ethnic Township is more than just a place. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Yao people. For centuries, this township remained shrouded in mystery. Its location was known only through stories passed down through generations.
The story of Qianjiadong begins long ago. Legend says Panwang, the ancestor of the Yao, faced reproach. He had become the Han emperor’s son-in-law. The emperor sent Panwang and his wife to the isolated Qianjiadong. This place was a flat land surrounded by hills. A cavernous tunnel was its only link to the outside world. Panwang and his descendants thrived there.
During the Yuan Dynasty, the tranquility of Qianjiadong was shattered. Government officials discovered the well-fed Yao people. They began to demand land tax by force. This injustice led the Yao to a heartbreaking decision. They resolved to leave their cherished homeland.
Before their departure, the Yao divided an ox horn into twelve pieces. Each tribe received one part. They made a solemn vow. After 500 years, they would reunite. They would piece together the horn. The Yao would rebuild their sacred land.
Centuries passed and the memory of Qianjiadong remained. Many Yao never ceased searching for it. In 1986, scholars and experts united. They sought to restore the original name. They wanted to rename Dayuan village back to Qianjiadong. Their efforts eventually paid off. The Hunan government approved the change.
The discovery of Qianjiadong is attributed to Gong Zhebing. Gong was a philosophy professor at Wuhan University. He also uncovered Nushu, a script used exclusively by women. Gong gathered clues from Yao elders. These elders spoke of their roots in Qianjiadong.
Gong and his team ventured into the mountains. They followed descriptions from “The Travel of Qianjiadong”. This oral epic had been handed down for generations. Finally, they found a cave at Dupang Ridge. Its features matched those of Qianjiadong.
Walking through the cave was like stepping into another world. They emerged into farmland. Hills surrounded them. Since then, all twelve pieces of the ox horn have been returned. The ox horn monument was completed in 1992. It stands as a symbol of unity and rediscovery.
Archaeologists have explored Qianjiadong. They unearthed ancient swords and metal torches. Old bricks and grindstones also surfaced. These relics confirmed the stories of the past.
Today, Qianjiadong Yao Ethnic Township welcomes visitors. People come to admire its natural beauty. It has abundant resources. Rivers flow through the land. Maple trees adorn the landscape. Rare birds fill the air. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. It whispers tales of resilience and reunion.