Gansu: My Beloved Home Province

Written by Dayong 
(1995 – July 2, 2015)

Editor’s Note: Dayong loved to write, and he wanted to help others. We were fortunate to receive this article from him before he passed away from congenital heart disease at age 20. You can read more about him in Remembering Dayong.

Geography and Climate

Gansu province is in the geographic center of China. However, people commonly think of it as being in the remote part of China, in the vast northwest territory. Indeed, this land is broad with undulating terrain. The historical Silk Road runs through this narrow province. With an altitude of 4,000 feet, it is bordered by even higher mountain ridges on both sides. Gansu has a typical arid climate with seasonal winds in summer and winter. This environment has shaped Gansu culture, which is a simple, ancient pearl in the northwest.

Industries

The province is similar in size to California and has a population of 2.7 million. On the surface, the rugged terrain supports farming and livestock. Underground, the land holds petroleum and non-ferrous metals. Gansu’s industries are developed from these raw materials. Although our province is the supplier of energy and precious metals, we still have one of the relatively weaker economies in the country because of being landlocked.     

History

According to Chinese legend, the creators of the earliest civilization and Chinese herb medicine started in Gansu thousands of years ago. Recorded history tells us that the first few Chinese dynasties were established here as well. The Zhou Dynasty was founded in 1100 BC, and the following Qin Dynasty was ruled by the renowned “First Emperor” in 221 BC. By 200 BC, the Han Dynasty took over and the country grew as large as present-day China. The visionary emperor developed Gansu as a key trading route—the Silk Road—which prospered for more than a thousand years. During this long period of time, Gansu benefited from the diverse cultures coming from Europe and Asia. Gansu enjoyed the variety of crops and merchandise from the west and east. It hosted diplomats, merchants, missionaries, monks, government officials, and ordinary people.

Yellow Land Culture

Gansu is in a region that is characterized by its accumulation of wind-blown dust and sediment. In China, we refer to it as the “Yellow Land.” It’s arid with harsh seasonal winds. Outside the cities, the culture of Yellow Land shows its strength. People use simple tools to farm and herd. Their life is plain, diligent, thrifty, and honest; yet they are devoted. They are the backbone of this Yellow Land culture, and they make people feel as hopeful and promising as the blue sky. 

Congenital Heart Disease in Gansu

In the rural parts of Gansu 1 out of 125 children is born with congenital heart disease. It is hard for the majority of them to get treatment.

Editor’s Note: Dayong loved to write, and he wanted to help others. We were fortunate to receive this article from him before he passed away from congenital heart disease at age 20. You can read more about him in Remembering Dayong.

Original article written by Dayong, translated by Kai Chao, edited by Carolyn D.