Gebu Village in Hezhang County, Bijie, Guizhou

Gebu Village (葛布村) is located in the northwest of Hezhang County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, China. It belongs to Fuchu Township (辅处乡) and covers an area of 10.32 square kilometers. The village comprises 8 administrative groups: Shuanghe (双河), Tanggou (唐沟), Dazhai (大寨), Xinzai (新寨), Zhongzai (中寨), Duobu (朵布), Gebu (葛布), and Yakou (丫口), and has a population of 1,447 people, including Han, Miao, and Bouyei ethnic groups.

Village Overview

Gebu Village is situated at an altitude ranging from 1,730 to 2,050 meters. It borders Kele Township (可乐乡) and Shuangping Township (双坪乡) and is 13 kilometers from the township government. The area has limited arable land, with acidic soil and low agricultural productivity. Due to its vulnerability to natural disasters, the region has long faced economic challenges. In 2011, the per capita income for farmers was 1,100 yuan, and the average food consumption was about 300 kilograms per person.

The village also faces transportation challenges, with limited access to information, and the local population struggles with basic amenities like drinking water. As a result, Gebu is one of the poorer villages in Fuchu Township.

In recent years, Gebu Village has been focusing on poverty alleviation efforts, and with the support of higher authorities and charitable organizations, it has made significant strides. In 2008, a health clinic and a walnut planting base were built, further improving the local infrastructure. A new road connecting Gebu to Yanggou (杨沟) was also completed.

Gebu Church: A Historical Religious Landmark

Gebu Church is a renowned religious site in the Kele region. Built in 1904 by British missionaries, it is a German-style church located on a small hill at the center of Gebu Group. Surrounded by mountains, the church has become a symbol of Christian faith in the area, nurturing generations of Christians in the region. The church also serves as a gathering place for believers from surrounding towns, including Weining County (威宁县).

During the 100th anniversary celebration in 2004, the church received significant attention, with reporters from CCTV (China Central Television) covering the event. The celebration was attended by descendants of missionaries and local Christians, marking a memorable milestone for the church.

The Story of a Missionary’s Legacy

The founding of the church is closely tied to the story of Mrs. Edward Villgers, an Australian missionary who, along with her husband, served in Gebu. She tragically passed away in 1943 due to typhoid fever and complications from childbirth. Her grave, destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, was later reconstructed by her husband. The fragments of her gravestone were preserved by local Miao women, and after the Cultural Revolution, the grave was relocated and reassembled.

Villgers’ Grandchildren Attend the Centennial Celebration

In 2004, Villgers’ grandchildren traveled from Australia to attend the centennial celebration of Gebu Church. This event marked the enduring legacy of the missionary family’s dedication to the Christian faith in the region.

The Green Economy and Development in Gebu Village

Gebu Village is known for its abundant natural resources, particularly its forests. The village has a forest coverage rate of over 70%, and the local community has strong awareness of environmental conservation. The village’s highest peak, Xianshuipo (仙水坡), is covered in dense primary forests, which have remained largely untouched due to the challenging terrain. A small stream flows from the mountain, providing vital water resources for local residents.

Community Efforts in Forest Protection

The residents of Gebu are deeply committed to protecting their natural environment. The village has organized a 17-member forest patrol team, which regularly inspects the area around Xianshuipo. The team ensures that no fire hazards or illegal activities occur in the forest. During crucial fire prevention periods, the village’s elderly party members, such as Yang Yongde (杨永德), actively participate in forest patrols and help monitor potential fire hazards.

“Green Economy” Boosts Local Income

In recent years, Gebu Village has developed a thriving “green economy,” capitalizing on the village’s abundant natural resources. Families, like that of Deng Yongqin (邓永琴), have prospered through the sale of local chestnuts. In fact, many villagers are now enjoying a better standard of living thanks to the income generated from forestry and agricultural products. Other valuable resources, such as wild kiwi fruit and mountain walnuts, have further diversified the local economy.

To enhance the economic impact, the village has registered a trademark to promote its chestnuts and wild kiwi fruit. By organizing large-scale production and sales, Gebu aims to increase the value of its local products and improve the economic situation of the village.

Cultural Preservation and Community Engagement

In addition to economic development, Gebu Village has focused on cultural preservation and strengthening community ties. The village government, with the support of local party members and influential figures, has implemented a variety of activities to promote cultural heritage, such as improving environmental sanitation and reinforcing local customs.

The “Huashan Festival” – Celebrating Cultural Traditions

The “Huashan Festival” (花山节) is an important annual event held in Gebu Village. The festival, which began in 2019, celebrates local culture and ethnic diversity. In 2023, the festival attracted over 30,000 visitors and participants from neighboring towns like Shuangping, Jiegou, and Tiejiang (铁匠). The festival features vibrant music, dance performances, and traditional customs, such as offering alcohol in ox horns and performing the “Lu Sheng” (芦笙) dance.

The festival’s success has also led to the promotion of ethnic unity and cross-cultural communication, reinforcing the sense of community among the diverse groups that call Gebu home. Additionally, the event serves as a platform for local authorities to promote important social issues such as anti-corruption and public safety awareness.

Preserving Traditional Miao Embroidery

One of the highlights of the festival is the showcase of Miao traditional embroidery. Local resident Yang Guangfen (杨光芬) has become renowned for her exquisite embroidery work. Starting at the age of 15, Yang learned this craft from the village elders, and she now teaches it to other women in the village, passing down this valuable cultural tradition.

Gebu Village is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Through a combination of environmental protection, economic development, and cultural preservation, the village has made significant strides in improving the lives of its residents. The ongoing commitment to safeguarding the natural environment, combined with the success of local agricultural ventures and cultural festivals, promises a bright future for Gebu Village and its community.