According to the genealogical records, Peitian Village's ancestors migrated here from the Central Plains during the late Yuan dynasty. After nearly a thousand years of development, by the late Qing dynasty, Peitian had grown into a village with over 300 households and more than 1,000 residents. The village features over 30 grand houses built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, 21 ancestral halls, 5 ancient academies, 2 archways, and a thousand-meter-long ancient street, forming a well-preserved architectural complex covering 70,000 square meters.
This well-preserved architectural style is not only a living repository of agricultural civilization but also attests to the former glory of Chinese folk education. Historically, Peitian featured both traditional scholar education focused on reading and becoming officials and local education aimed at training in production skills and life etiquette. These two types of education intersected and merged, creating a unique cultural landscape in Peitian during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This historical context provides profound insights for contemporary Chinese educational reform.
Peitian was originally named "Laiwu," after the Lai family who first settled there. When the third-generation ancestor of the Wu family settled here, the name was changed to Peitian. The name reflects the villagers' emphasis on education and talent, as inferred from the phrase in the "Book of Rites" which means "to cultivate."
The first school in Peitian, according to genealogical records, was "Shitouqiu Cottage," established in 1488 by the seventh-generation ancestor of the Wu family. Following this, other Wu family members emulated this initiative, leading to the widespread establishment of schools in the village.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Peitian had nine academies, including Xiaoquangong Academy, Shibeishan School, Baixuetang, Yiwutang, Banshangong Academy, Yanzhiqian School, Qingningzhai School, Nanshan Academy, and Ziyang Academy. Some family members even converted their homes into private schools. For instance, in the nineteenth generation, two brothers converted their home into a private school, known for its elegant ambiance filled with books and ink. Additionally, the village had five family schools, nine elementary schools, and professional education institutions like "Chujing Villa," "Xiuzhu Tower," and "Rongxi Residence," which were essentially marriage and hygiene schools for women. These educational institutions were so widespread that the village was known for its vibrant academic environment.
"Chujing Villa," built during the late Ming dynasty, focused on agricultural education. The inscription on the villa's door, "A half-acre inkstone field yields grains, several rooms teach farming," indicates its purpose. The villa served as a place where experienced farmers taught younger generations farming techniques, akin to modern agricultural workshops.
In the early Qing dynasty, Peitian expanded to include technical skills education, epitomized by the "Xiuzhu Tower," constructed during the Kangxi reign. The couplet on its door, "Not for avoiding the heat among the bamboo, nor for storing books," implies its function. The tower primarily focused on sharing and learning traditional handicrafts, such as pottery, woodwork, and weaving, which contributed significantly to the villagers' skill set.
"Rongxi Residence," built during the Jiaqing reign, was a unique institution for women's education. The name "Rongxi," derived from a phrase by Tao Yuanming, means "comfortable and content." It was established to educate young women about personal hygiene, marriage, and family life, marking one of the earliest known institutions dedicated to women's education in China. The inscription "Talk of wind and moon" on its courtyard wall alludes to its curriculum focusing on marital and reproductive knowledge.According to an 80-year-old resident who once attended this school, the curriculum was diverse, covering literacy, arithmetic, embroidery, cooking, and even personal hygiene and marital education. The school aimed to ensure that women were well-prepared for their roles in society, maintaining the family's status and harmony.
Education in Peitian was not solely confined to the official curriculum. While traditional scholar education focusing on reading and officialdom was predominant, the village also promoted practical and moral education. This holistic approach created a multifaceted educational environment, supplementing the conventional focus on passing imperial examinations with practical skills and ethical teachings.
The extensive network of schools and academies in Peitian ensured high educational standards. Many local scholars and officials who studied in these institutions later became influential figures. The village's commitment to education is exemplified by the well-preserved Nanshan Academy, which was particularly notable for its size and influence, attracting students from surrounding areas.
Peitian produced numerous scholar-officials who excelled in the imperial examinations, contributing to the village's prestige. Notable among them was Wu Shengliang, the earliest recorded jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) from Peitian. His achievements and those of other scholars highlight the village's rich educational legacy.
The comprehensive educational system in Peitian, with its blend of traditional scholar education and practical skills training, provides a unique model of rural education. This multifaceted approach offers valuable lessons for modern educational practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating academic learning with practical and ethical education.