From China to Cambridge and Cornell: The ‘PhD village’ that produced 33 doctorates

This year’s awardees included one student admitted to Tsinghua University as a PhD candidate, 15 beginning their master’s programmes, and 46 undergraduates preparing to enter university. During the ceremony, the students wore red sashes inscribed with wu zu zhi guang—“the glory of our ancestral clan”—and bowed before ancestral memorial tablets.

The fund distributed 217,000 yuan (Rs 26.5 lakh), with the highest individual award reaching 8,000 yuan, SCMP reported.

So far, 33 villagers have earned doctoral degrees from leading institutions including Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University, Cambridge University, and Cornell University. Their names and universities are displayed on red scrolls hung on a major building in the village.

“Our award is designed to inspire students to cherish our country and hometown, engage in charitable acts, and work diligently,” said Guo Dongyu, director of the Guo Family Education Fund, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.

The story has sparked admiration across social media. “Many attribute their success to good feng shui. However, I believe it is a result of a supportive atmosphere where everyone strives for excellence,” one online observer remarked, according to SCMP. Another user added: “What a wonderful place! I would love to move there with my child.”