Beizhan Village is located in the northwest of Shandong Province and has a long history and culture. The origins of Beizhan Village can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty, and over the centuries it has evolved from an ancient stagecoach station into a modern community. As a member of Beizhan Village, I have witnessed its transformation from a traditional agricultural village to a modern community. Whenever I return to the village and step on the land that my ancestors have cultivated, it is as if I can feel the resilience and struggle they once had.
The Village Chronicle records in detail the historical changes, geography, demographics and cultural practices of Beizhan Village from 1945 to 2023. From the founding of new China to reform and opening up, from collective production to land contracting, every historical node has profoundly influenced the development trajectory of Beizhan Village. In particular, the relocation of villagers to modernized buildings in 2018 marked a shift from rural to urban lifestyles. This interaction between people and nature, people and history has inspired me to think about the relationship between humanities and nature, and has also given me a deeper understanding of the importance of “using history as a mirror”. I hope that through the village records, future generations will have a better understanding of the past and present of this land, so that the memory of this history can be kept alive.
We have published the village journal on Amazon at the following link:
Feel free to visit Beizhan's official website: