Pengdao village, in Fujian province, gained attention in late August after a video of its elaborate scholarship ceremony circulated online. This was the second such event, organized by the Guo Family Education Foundation, as most villagers share the Guo surname.

The scholarship recipients included a Tsinghua University doctoral candidate, 15 new master's students, and 46 newly admitted university students. The total award amount was 217,000 CNY (almost 30,000 USD), with the highest award being 8,000 CNY (over 1,000 USD).

During the ceremony, recipients wore red scarves embroidered with "glory of our ancestors" and bowed before an altar to express gratitude for their heritage.

Scholarship ceremony in Pengdao village. Photo: Weibo

Scholarship ceremony in Pengdao village. Photo: Weibo

Pengdao, nestled in the remote mountains of Fujian province, has a population of about 6,000. Having faced challenging agricultural conditions, the villagers have long valued education as a means of escaping poverty. The village now boasts 33 PhD graduates from renowned institutions like Tsinghua University, Cambridge University (UK), and Cornell University (USA). Red scrolls displaying their names and universities adorn a prominent building in the village.

Pengdao, the "PhD village," has become a social media sensation in China.

Guo Dongyu, director of the local Guo Family Education Foundation, explained that due to a long-standing tradition of valuing education, parents in Pengdao emphasize their children's education from an early age.

"This scholarship aims to encourage love for hometown and country, active philanthropy, and dedication to learning," he said.

Hai Yen (SCMP, India.com, Weibo)