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Draft:Yayao

Coordinates: 23°09′59.1″N 113°39′31.2″E / 23.166417°N 113.658667°E / 23.166417; 113.658667
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Yayao (Ngar Yiew)
雅瑶村
Village
View of Yayao Village (Zengcheng)
Map
Coordinates: 23°09′59.1″N 113°39′31.2″E / 23.166417°N 113.658667°E / 23.166417; 113.658667
CountryChina
ProvinceGuangdong
CityGuangzhou
DistrictZengcheng District
FoundedSong dynasty (960–1279)
Founded byWu Siu Yung (吳紹翁)
Area code+86

Yayao (Chinese: 雅瑶村), also known in Cantonese as Ngar Yiew, is a historic village in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. It was founded during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and was historically one of the largest villages in the region. The village is known as the ancestral home of the Wu (surname) (Ng) clan, which has a recorded history spanning over 1,000 years. Yayao has played a significant role in the economic, cultural, and historical development of the region and has been shaped by agriculture, Chinese migration, war, and urbanization.

Origins and Naming

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Yayao was originally called Larn Gong (籣江) before being renamed. The village developed as an agricultural village with the Wu (surname) (Ng) clan as its primary residents. The founding ancestor, Wu Siu Yung (吳紹翁), migrated to Zengcheng during the Song dynasty, establishing the village as a family settlement. [1]

For centuries, Yayao thrived as a self-sufficient rural community, relying on rice farming, fishing, and lychee cultivation. The Wu family played a significant role in the local economy and governance, with family members serving as village leaders and landowners.

Economic and Agricultural Development

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Yayao’s economy was historically centered on farming, fishing, and small-scale trade. The village specialized in:

  • Rice farming: The fertile lands along the Yayao River allowed for two annual rice harvests.
  • Lychee cultivation: Yayao became known for its production of high-quality lychees, including the rare Gualü (挂绿) variety, which is now government-protected. [2]
  • Fish farming: Large communal ponds were maintained for aquaculture, providing an additional food source for villagers.

Aside from agriculture, some families engaged in silk production, textile weaving, and ceramics, which were sold in nearby markets.

Sino-Japanese War and Destruction

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On October 20, 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Yayao suffered a devastating attack by Japanese forces. The invasion resulted in:

  • The deaths of 669 villagers
  • The destruction of homes, farmland, and historical buildings
  • The displacement of many surviving residents

After the war, the village gradually rebuilt, but many historical artifacts and structures were permanently lost..[3]

Modern Development and Urbanization

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In the late 20th century, urbanization and industrialization reshaped Yayao. The nearby town of Xintang expanded rapidly, becoming a center for:

Today, many former Yayao residents have moved to nearby cities for employment opportunities, and many of the village's traditional homes are now abandoned.[5]

Cultural Preservation and Community Revival

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In recent years, local initiatives have focused on preserving Yayao's cultural heritage and reviving community engagement. Several of Yayao's ancestral halls have undergone restoration to maintain historical memory and provide a space for cultural events.

  • Traditional festivals and ceremonies, such as the annual tomb-sweeping during Qingming Festival, continue to be observed, reinforcing family traditions and honoring the legacy of the Wu (Ng) clan.
  • Heritage tourism development has been a key focus, with government and local organizations working together to promote Yayao as a destination for cultural tourism. Visitors are encouraged to explore the village’s ancient architecture, rural landscape, and agricultural traditions.
  • Efforts have also been made to preserve the village’s environment and agriculture. Sustainable farming initiatives aim to maintain Yayao’s historic rice paddies and lychee orchards, ensuring that traditional agricultural practices continue alongside modernization efforts.
  • These projects have helped foster a renewed sense of identity among residents while attracting investment and tourism aimed at revitalizing the village.

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ "吴氏世系 - 族谱源流". 中华吴氏网 (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  2. ^ "Lychee Festivals in Guangzhou". Guangzhou Municipal Government. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  3. ^ 广州市增城竹园涌抗日游击队旧址 - 综合资料 - 抗日战争纪念网. (2015). 抗日战争纪念网. Retrieved February 4, 2025, from [1](https://m.krzzjn.com/show-698-12035.html).
  4. ^ "Region of Jeans Production in China". ExamineChina. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  5. ^ Newsletter Winter 2018 issue. (2018). The Tung Jung Association of New Zealand. Retrieved February 4, 2025, from [2](https://tungjung.nz/newsletters/assets/Winter_2018_issue_pub.pdf).


  • 增城雅瑶村吴氏族谱 (in Chinese). Guangdong, China: 私家族谱. 2024.