RUC Students Embark on a Cross-Country Journey to Decode Family Happiness in Modern China 

Family as the Cornerstone of National Prosperity 

The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the pursuit of happiness for its people are deeply rooted in the well-being of millions of families. Within the framework of Chinese modernization, the construction of family values, education, and ethos has gained new strategic significance. During the 2025 winter break, 54 students from 22 schools at Renmin University of China(RUC) embarked on a groundbreaking social practice project, "A Path to Happiness for Millions of Families," traveling across 21 provinces to explore diverse narratives of family happiness and their role in grassroots governance and cultural heritage. 

Guardians of Heritage — Where Family and Nation Converge 

From Guangdong’s Dianbai District to Xinjiang’s Tekes County, students captured stories of families whose commitment spans generations. In Shanxi’s Guangwu Great Wall region, they met Hao Zhonghua and his wife, former vendors who became heritage protectors. “Every brick bears witness to history,” they noted, highlighting how their dedication and inspired younger generations. 

In Zhejiang’s Jiande City, the Xu family exemplified rural revitalization. Starting from poultry farming to building a thriving Dendrobium industry, their entrepreneurial spirit lifted over 1,000 women out of poverty. “Their perseverance and kindness show how family values fuel social progress,” noted Yan Xinyang, an undergraduate from the School of Labor and Human Resources. 

Ethnic unity also emerged as a theme. In Yunnan’s Xundian County, Ma Manqi, a finance student, learned from Bao Decun, a Hui villager, whose daughter’s interethnic marriage symbolizes the fusion of traditions. “Family education strengthens the bedrock of national unity,” Ma reflected. 

Timeless Wisdom — The Living Legacy of Family Ethos 

From ancient clan mottos to revolutionary letters, students uncovered how historical values resonate today. In Fujian’s Zheng Family Ancestral Hall, Liu Yurui, a literature major, observed centenarian family precepts etched into walls. “These words are spiritual codes passed down through centuries,” she remarked. 

In Shandong’s “Glory Family,” a descendant shared how the motto “Persevere Through Hardship” guided their lineage since the Anti-Japanese War. Similarly, Chongqing’s Nie Rongzhen Memorial Hall highlighted how the marshal’s letters and relics inspire modern campaigns like “Nie’s Family Values Enrich Ten Thousand Homes,” blending revolutionary spirit with contemporary governance. 

Jiangxi’s Wuyuan County showcased the endurance of Zhu Xi’s teachings. Weekly family ethics classes, held for a decade, have instilled Confucian values in 80,000 households. “These traditions are not relics—they thrive in daily life,” said Lü Shumin, a law student. 

Innovating Governance — Families as Agents of Change 

The project also revealed how family-centric approaches reshape grassroots governance. In Shanxi’s Shuozhou, students studied a model that treats households as the “smallest governance units,” integrating traditional differential mode of association (a concept by Fei Xiaotong) with modern legal frameworks. “This balance between cultural roots and institutional innovation is key to rural revitalization,” said Wu Yiye, a Marxism student. 

Yet challenges persist. In Liaoning’s rural areas, Yang Yi, an ecology major, encountered resistance to airing “family shame” publicly. His research proposed bridging traditional privacy norms with participatory governance, emphasizing education on public-private boundaries. 

A Blueprint for Chinese-Style Happiness 

The journey, spanning 21 provinces, became a living classroom for RUC students. As they decoded family stories—from the Great Wall guardians to Zhejiang’s trailblazing women—they mapped a vision where family values underpin national cohesion and modernization. 

Looking ahead, the “Path to Happiness” initiative will continue empowering youth to contribute to China’s family governance and cultural confidence. As the students’ notes echo: “Family matters, though small, are threads weaving the grand tapestry of the nation’s future.”