Ye's Charitable Farm

Ye's Charitable Farm

Ye's Charitable Farm is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Zhejiang Province.

Ye's Charitable Farm is located in Yejiacun Village on Zhuangshi Street.

The charitable farm was funded and established in the 10th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1871) by Ye Chengzhong, a renowned figure among the Ningbo business community. In the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign (1906), it was renamed Ye's Zhongxing School, and in the 5th year of the Republic of China (1916), it became the Private Zhongxing School. By 1949, it was restructured and ceased operations, with the charitable farm repurposed as a grain depot. In 1987, distinguished overseas alumni such as Bao Yugang, Bao Congxing, Ye Maozhang, Zhao Anzhong, and Zhao Xiangwen funded its renovation to commemorate their alma mater. It was expanded into a complete secondary school—Zhongxing High School.

Within a century, the charitable farm produced numerous outstanding individuals, including world-renowned figures such as “the King of the Shipping World” Bao Yugang, Sir Run Run Shaw—the founder of Shaw Studios and one of Hong Kong’s most successful top ten entrepreneurs—and Bao Congxing, who led textile enterprises in West Africa.

Ye Chengzhong was from Yezheng, Zhenhai. He lost his father at the age of six and began apprenticeship at an oil mill at eleven. By seventeen, due to his diligence and integrity, he gained the attention of prominent merchants both in China and abroad, and began trading in hardware. Gradually accumulating wealth, he went on to establish 18 branches including Kechi Iron Store, Xinshunji, Yichangchengji, and Beishunji in Shanghai and other major commercial hubs. He was known as the “Hardware King.” He donated generously to countless charitable causes in his hometown, earning widespread praise and admiration. In the 14th year of the Guangxu reign (1888), the Qing court awarded him plaques inscribed with “Loves Charity and Good Deeds” and “Courageous in Doing Good,” along with the honorary title of Erpin Dingguan (Second Rank Official Cap) and the peacock feather.

Ye's Charitable Farm covers a land area of 2,800 square meters with a construction area of 1,045 square meters. It faces south and consists of classrooms, an auditorium, and more. It is a single-story building constructed with brick and wood. In December 2000, it was designated as a district-level cultural heritage site.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units