Know Wuxi by 10 surnames: Yang (杨)

In Wuxi, most members of the Yang family are descendants of Yang Bangyi, a famous general of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), and Yang Shi, a philosopher of Neo-Confucianism in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

The descendants of Yang Bangyi were relatively more famous in history, and had a reputation as the "Yangs under the flag", referring to their academic achievements.

In the past there was a regulation for those who won first or second place in the imperial exam to be allowed to set up a flagpole in front of their house. The flag would read "erudite family" as a display of special honor. The Wuxi Yangs produced so many successful imperial exam winners that Wuxi residents began to connect the family name with those honorable flags.

In the modern age, the Wuxi Yang family earned more fame and respect for their contributions to modern industry development.

Yang Zonglian (1832-1905) founded the Tianjin Military Academy in North China's Tianjin, the first modern military school in China. His younger brother, Yang Zonghan, once managed the Shanghai Mechanical Textile Bureau, the first modern textile factory in China.

In 1894, the Yang brothers came back to Wuxi and began to raise funds for the Yeqin Cotton Mill. The factory, opened in 1895, was considered to be the beginning of Wuxi's modern industry, and the first cotton mill to be run by civilians in China.

Yang Hanxi (1877-1954), the youngest son of Yang Zonglian, followed his father's path. He established the Wuxi Telephone Company, bringing telephones to Wuxi residents. He later became the first president of the Wuxi Branch of the People's Bank of China.

In 1916, Yang Hanxi bought 60 mu (4 hectares) of land beside Taihu Lake. The area was used as a plant cultivation base at that time. Yang Hanxi also designed and built architecture there, which became the initial development of today's Yuantouzhu Park.

During the time of the Republic of China (1912-1949), the Yangs were the most distinguished family in Wuxi. Yang Lingfu (1887-1978) was a famous female painter. Her works were on exhibition around the world. One of her paintings was appreciated by Adolf Hitler, but she refused to sign the painting for him, and instead wrote a poem to criticize the Nazi leader.

The Chinese character of Yang (杨). [Photo/ provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The initial development of today's Yuantouzhu Park was constructed by Yang Hanxi. [Photo/ from web]