By Peng SUN

The 20th century was a tumultuous era for China, marked by profound social upheavals, natural calamities, and significant population shifts. Through the lens of my grandfather's life—a narrative woven with adversity, migration, and unwavering determination—we can glimpse the broader tapestry of a nation's struggle and resurgence.

Fleeing the Ravages of Famine in Hebei
My grandfather's early years were shadowed by the relentless hardships that plagued Hebei Province. Born in 1931 in what is now Weixian County, Handan City, he was the youngest of three sons in a family striving to navigate the complexities of a nation in flux. His father, originally from Nanjing, had served in a governmental role during the Republic of China era. However, political shifts necessitated a relocation to Hebei, where he transitioned from bureaucratic duties to the agrarian life of a farmer.

(The original first-generation card of my late grandfather, Tian Xiaosan, issued in 1987.)

The Hebei region, during the early decades of the 20th century, was a crucible of ecological disasters. Between 1912 and 1949, the province was besieged by a relentless cycle of floods, droughts, and locust infestations. These calamities were not isolated incidents; they recurred with alarming frequency, leading to widespread crop failures and famine. The devastation was so pervasive that, on average, one-third of Hebei's counties faced some form of natural disaster annually during this period.
The Great Famine that gripped Hebei had cascading effects beyond the immediate scarcity of food. Economically, it crippled local markets and sent grain prices soaring, plunging communities into deeper poverty. Socially, the desperation gave rise to banditry, as individuals resorted to extreme measures for survival. Mass migrations became commonplace, with countless families abandoning their ancestral homes in search of sustenance and safety.
In the face of such adversity, my great-grandfather made the heartrending decision to uproot his family. Enticed by accounts of Shanxi Province's relative stability and agricultural promise, he joined the throngs of refugees moving westward. The journey was arduous, marked by uncertainty and the constant specter of hardship. Yet, it was a testament to the resilience and fortitude that would come to define my grandfather's life.

Establishing New Roots in Shanxi
By 1932, the family found refuge in Pingyang, now known as Linfen City in Shanxi Province. They sought shelter with a local landlord, a common practice for displaced families seeking stability. However, the challenges of resettlement were manifold. Providing for three children proved insurmountable, leading my great-grandfather to make the agonizing choice of sending his eldest son to be raised by another family—a separation that resulted in permanent estrangement.
The Second Sino-Japanese War further fragmented the family. My grandfather's second brother enlisted to resist the Japanese invasion, ultimately sacrificing his life for the nation. Amidst these personal tragedies, both my great-grandparents succumbed to illness, leaving my grandfather orphaned in a village far from his origins.
Yet, the community in Linfen embraced him. Villagers extended kindness, offering food and support to the young boy navigating life alone. From these humble and challenging beginnings, my grandfather's journey was emblematic of a generation's perseverance.
Contributing to a Nation's Rebirth
The establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 ushered in an era of reconstruction and industrialization. Shanxi Province, endowed with rich coal reserves, emerged as a linchpin in the nation's industrial ambitions. Cities like Taiyuan became epicenters of coal, iron, and chemical production, fueling China's drive toward modernization. 
Amid this transformative landscape, my grandfather matured into adulthood. He secured employment as a carpenter with the Jinnan Special Zone Engineering Company. Embracing the ethos of national rejuvenation, he immersed himself in mastering construction techniques. His dedication bore fruit as he ascended to the rank of an eighth-grade carpenter, earning accolades such as Model Worker of Shanxi Province. His contributions were instrumental in the erection of pivotal infrastructures, including the Linfen Power Plant, Linfen Paper Mill, and Linfen Textile Mill.
The early 1960s presented renewed challenges. Natural disasters, compounded by political movements like the "Three Years of Famine and Repayment of Debts," led to widespread food shortages. Despite these scarcities, my grandfather exhibited unparalleled generosity. Recollections from my mother paint a vivid picture:

"During those trying times, with food supplies dwindling, your grandfather cultivated grains and beans on vacant land near his workplace. Despite our own needs, he shared a bag of millet with a coworker's family teetering on the brink of starvation. Years later, that coworker returned with a large sack of flour, a gesture of enduring gratitude."

Such acts of selflessness were not anomalies but rather reflections of his intrinsic character. Though he lacked formal education, my grandfather was an eager participant in the "Mass Literacy Campaign," striving to uplift himself and those around him. His inventive spirit led to numerous technological innovations in construction. His integrity shone brightly during crises, notably in 1962 when a construction site collapse saw him prioritizing others' safety over his own, resulting in injuries that left lasting impairments.

Reflecting on a Legacy Intertwined with a Nation's Journey
My grandfather's life narrative is more than a personal history; it is a microcosm of China's 20th-century odyssey. His experiences encapsulate the trials faced by countless individuals who, amidst upheavals and hardships, contributed to the nation's resilience and resurgence.
The mass migrations, the collective endeavors toward industrialization, and the communal spirit of mutual aid were not mere historical footnotes but foundational elements that propelled China into the 21st century. Understanding these personal stories enriches our comprehension of the broader socio-historical currents that have shaped modern China.
In honoring my grandfather's legacy, we pay tribute to a generation whose sacrifices and tenacity laid the bedrock for the nation's contemporary achievements. Their stories, woven together, form the rich tapestry of China's enduring spirit and relentless pursuit of progress.

About the Author: Peng SUN, a Chinese-Canadian scholar (Ph.D., b. October 1982), specializes in intercultural studies, globalization, culture and society, population and migration, as well as talent and education development.