Global Root-Seeking Report of the Chang Clan: From the Ancestor to Global Distribution

I. The Ancestor of the Chang Clan: The Legend of Zhang Hui

The First Person of the Chang Surname: Zhang Hui, grandson of the Yellow Emperor and the fifth son of Shaohao Qingyangshi, was born approximately 4,500 years ago in ancient Diqiu (present-day Puyang, Henan). Having invented the bow and arrow, he was appointed by the Yellow Emperor as "Gongzheng" (the official in charge of bow and arrow manufacturing). The emperor bestowed upon him the surname "Chang" (combining the characters for "bow" 弓 and "long" 长), making him the ancestor of the Chinese Chang clan.Ancestral Holy Lands:

• Puyang: Recognized as the "Ancestral Root Land of the Chinese Chang Clan" by Henan Provincial Surname Ancestral Land Certification in 2017. It is where Zhang Hui achieved meritorious deeds, was enfeoffed with the surname, and was buried.
• Qinghe (present-day Hebei): A renowned "junwang" (prominent ancestral region) of the Chang clan, known as "All Changs Under Heaven Originate from Qinghe". During the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, the "Qinghe Chang Clan" was ranked first among the "national pillars".

II. Propagation of the Chang Clan: From a Single Origin to a Prosperous Lineage

1. Early Development (Pre-Qin to Qin-Han Dynasties)

• Formation of Junwang: From the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods, early prominent ancestral regions such as the "Qinghe Chang Clan" and "Fanyang Chang Clan" took shape, making the Chang surname an important family name in northern China.
• First Large-Scale Migration: During the New Deal of Wang Mang at the end of the Western Han Dynasty, the Chang clan migrated south on a large scale for the first time, reaching Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, and even Vietnam, forming multiple branches.

2. Intergenerational Propagation Model

• Propagation Rhythm: The interval between generations is approximately 25 years. For example, a branch of the Chang clan from Gong Xun (1st generation) to Gong Bai (5th generation) spanned about 125 years (1573-1648).
• Expansion Characteristics: Showing a "radiation from the center to the surrounding areas" migration pattern, with the Central Plains as the core, gradually spreading across the country.
• Diversified Origins: In addition to the direct lineage of Zhang Hui, the Chang surname has three other sources:
  • Descendants of Xie Zhang (styled Zhang Hou), a minister of the State of Jin, adopted his courtesy name as their surname.
  • Ethnic minorities changing their surnames (e.g., Zhang Zhongzhi of the Xi ethnic group).
  • People of other surnames adopting the Chang surname (e.g., Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period bestowed the surname Chang upon Long Youna).

III. Global Migration Route Map of the Chang Clan

1. Domestic Migration in China (Wei-Jin to Ming-Qing Dynasties)

• Wei-Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties: With ethnic integration, the Chang clan’s footprints spread across the north and south of the Yangtze River, Lingnan, southwest, northwest, and northeast China.
• Migration to Fujian and Sichuan:
  • Early Tang Dynasty: Zhang Yan migrated to Fujian, becoming the ancestor of the Chang clan in Fujian.
  • The first stop of the Chang clan’s migration to Sichuan was Sichuan itself, then spreading to Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet.
• Large-Scale Migration in the Early Ming Dynasty: Taking the Hongtong Big Pagoda Tree in Shanxi as a distribution center, the Chang clan moved to 18 provinces including Henan, Shandong, and Hebei, forming the "Hongtong Chang Clan".

2. Overseas Migration (Song-Yuan Dynasties to Present)

• Development in Southeast Asia:
  • Song Dynasty: The Chang clan began activities in places such as Vietnam.
  • Ming-Qing Dynasties: A large number of Chang clansmen "went south to Nanyang (Southeast Asia)", establishing settlements in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc., such as the "Qinghe Tang Chang Clan Association" in Sabah, Malaysia.
• Development of Taiwan:
  • The earliest ancestor to migrate to Taiwan was Zhang You (from Meifeng, Guangdong).
  • During the Qing Dynasty, Zhang Yi (styled Shifa) moved to Yilan, Taiwan, becoming the founding ancestor of the local Chang clan.
• Global Spread:
  • Europe and America: Since the late 19th century, the Chang clan has entered the United States, Canada, and Europe with the wave of Chinese immigration. The population of the Chang clan in the UK has increased 47 times in 13 years.
  • Oceania: Forming Chang clan communities centered in Sydney and Melbourne.

IV. Data Analysis of Global Chang Clan Population and Distribution

1. Total Population

• Global: Approximately 95.4 to 95.75 million people (2023-2024 statistics), nearly 100 million, ranking third among Chinese surnames and one of the most widely distributed Chinese surnames globally.
• Mainland China: Approximately 95.4 million people, accounting for 6.81% of the national total population, second only to the Wang and Li surnames.

2. Domestic Distribution in China

Five Major Settlements (accounting for over 50% of the national Chang clan population):Regional Differences: The proportion of the Chang surname in northern China (7-15%) is higher than in southern China (3-5%), with the highest proportion in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia region.

3. Overseas Distribution Pattern

• Southeast Asia: Approximately 3 to 5 million people, the most concentrated overseas region for the Chang clan:
  • Malaysia: Centered in Sabah and Sibu, with prominent figures such as Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Hiew King.
  • Singapore: The Chang Clan General Association governs 12 affiliated clan associations, an important Chinese organization locally.
  • Indonesia: A seven-story Chang clan cultural building will be completed in 2025.
• Other Regions:
  • Taiwan: Approximately 1.5 million people, ranking third among surnames.
  • United States/Canada: Approximately 500,000 people, mainly concentrated in Chinese communities on the East and West Coasts.
  • Europe: Approximately 300,000 people, with the fastest growth in the UK.
  • Australia/New Zealand: Approximately 200,000 people.

Global Distribution Characteristics:

• The Chang clan resides in more than 30 countries worldwide.
• Forming a "two-core, multi-pole" distribution pattern centered on Puyang (ancestral root land) and Qinghe (prominent ancestral region).
• Over 80% of overseas Chang clansmen can trace their origins to southeastern coastal provinces of China such as Fujian, Guangdong, and Hainan.

V. Cultural Characteristics of the Chang Clan

1. Spiritual Bonds

• Ancestral Root Identity: Every year on April 28th (the day Zhang Hui was enfeoffed with the surname), Chang clansmen worldwide hold root-seeking and ancestor-worshipping activities at the Zhang Hui Mausoleum in Puyang. Overseas Chinese leaders from Malaysia, Singapore, etc., have donated over one million yuan to construct the mausoleum.
• Clan Organizations:
  • World Chang Clan General Association: The core organization connecting Chang clansmen globally, having held ten international clan gatherings covering 24 countries.
  • China Chang Clan General Association: With 1,403 branch associations worldwide.
  • Chang Clan General Association (Singapore): Founded in 1939, governing 12 affiliated clan associations representing Chang clansmen from different native places.

2. Cultural Symbols

• Tang (Hall) Naming System: Having 222 Tang names, the most famous being "Qinghe Tang" (commemorating the ancestral origin) and "Bairen Tang" (inheriting the family tradition of tolerance).
• Genealogy Inheritance: The earliest genealogy can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, with a complete structure after the Song Dynasty, recording lineage, migration, family precepts, etc.
• Essence of Family Precepts: "Filial piety and fraternity pass down the family", "Harmony among clan members", "Scholarship and literature perpetuate the lineage", emphasizing family cohesion and cultural inheritance.

VI. Chang Clan Root-Seeking Guide

1. Core Root-Seeking Destinations

Must-Visit Holy Lands:

• Puyang, Henan: Zhang Hui Mausoleum (spiritual home of global Chang clansmen), Chang Surname Ancestral Root Memorial Hall.
• Qinghe, Hebei: Huaxia Zhang Clan Ancestral Court, Zhang Clan Cultural Museum.

2. Root-Seeking Paths

• Genealogy Tracing:
  • Sort out the family’s generation characters (e.g., "Ru Ru Si Zhi Zu, Ben Shi Wen Tian Cai...").
  • Confirm the affiliated Tang name (e.g., "Qinghe Tang", "Bairen Tang").
  • Connect with ancestral root lands through clan associations (e.g., World Chang Clan General Association).
• Modern Technological Assistance:
  • DNA Genealogy Testing: Can determine biological connections with ancestral root lands.
  • Global Chang Clan Genealogy Database: Query kinship through surname apps or websites.

Conclusion

From its birthplace in Puyang/Qinghe 4,500 years ago, the Chang clan has developed into a global surname with nearly 100 million people. Its migration history reflects the spread of Chinese civilization. No matter where you are, if your surname is Chang, you can trace your bloodline back to the ancestor Zhang Hui—who invented the bow and arrow and was bestowed the surname by the Yellow Emperor—through genealogies, clan associations, or modern technology. It is recommended to start by organizing your family genealogy, participating in clan association activities, and finally embarking on a root-seeking journey to the ancestral lands to fulfill the family’s long-cherished wish of "returning to one’s roots".

Image Collection of Zhang Hui, Ancestor of the Chang Clan

As Zhang Hui (ancestor of the Chang clan) lived in the ancient period approximately 4,500 years ago, no historical photos have been preserved. The following are authoritative images of Zhang Hui recognized by Chang clansmen worldwide, mainly official statues and portraits:

I. Statue at the Ancestral Root Land in Puyang (Core Ancestral Court of Global Chang Clan)

• Zhang Hui Statue at the Chinese Chang Surname Ancestor Mausoleum
  • Location: "Laohu Tai" (90 meters south of Zhang Hui’s Tomb) in the southeast of Puyang Old Town, Henan.
  • Specifications: 7 meters in height, 5.15 meters in base height, carved entirely from crimson purple granite.
  • Appearance: Holding a long bow, carrying a quiver on the shoulder, looking far ahead with a heroic and majestic demeanor.
  • Base Reliefs: Four sets of line drawings recording Zhang Hui’s four major achievements:
    • East Side: "Inventing the Bow and Arrow" (observing arc stars to create bows and arrows).
    • North Side: "Hunting Birds and Beasts" (teaching people to hunt).
    • West Side: "Fighting Gonggong" (assisting the Yellow Emperor’s tribe in defeating Gonggong).
    • South Side: "Enfeoffed with the Surname by Zhuanxu" (bestowed the surname Chang for meritorious deeds).
• Interior of Zhang Hui Hall in Puyang
  • The hall enshrines a 6.6-meter-high golden seated statue of Zhang Hui, with a plaque inscribed by Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King of Malaysia.
  • The hall is designed in the shape of a bow (bow-shaped from both top and front views), with an arc star map painted on the ceiling to commemorate Zhang Hui’s invention of the bow and arrow.

II. Statue at the Prominent Ancestral Region of Qinghe (Famous Junwang of the Chang Clan)

• Zhang Hui Hall Statue at Huaxia Zhang Clan Ancestral Court
  • Location: Inside Huaxia Zhang Clan Ancestral Court in the west of Qinghe County, Hebei.
  • Specifications: A white marble statue, 11.8 meters in height, the tallest Zhang Hui statue globally.
  • Appearance: Tall and straight posture, profound eyes, kind and dignified expression.
  • Background: Funded with 15 million yuan by the World Chang Clan General Association and donations from Chang clansmen worldwide, with a total investment of nearly 40 million yuan, completed in 2009.

III. Authoritative Images in Other Regions

IV. Standard Image Characteristics of Zhang Hui

Unified characteristics of Zhang Hui’s image recognized by Chang clansmen worldwide:

• Facial Features: Intelligent and heroic, broad forehead, sharp eyes, firm jawline.
• Clothing: Ancient attire, simple and primitive, often wearing animal skins or coarse cloth robes.
• Symbolic Items:
  • Bow and Arrow: Must hold a long bow (symbolizing the achievement of inventing bows and arrows).
  • Arc Stars: Arc star maps are often painted in the background (source of inspiration for the invention).
  • Gongzheng Official Seal: Symbolizing the official position of "Gongzheng" appointed by the Yellow Emperor.

V. Official Channels for Obtaining High-Definition Images

1. Official Website of the World Chang Clan General Association: www.worldzhang.org
   • Provides downloads of high-definition image libraries of global Chang clan ancestral courts.
   • Official photos of previous international Chang clan gatherings.
2. Official Website of Puyang Zhang Surname Research Association: www.zhangxingshizu.com
   • The "Zhang Hui Mausoleum Image Collection" column provides high-definition photos from multiple angles, including full sets of materials such as distant views, close-ups, gates, standing statues, and seated statues of the Zhang Hui Mausoleum.
3. Official Platform of Huaxia Zhang Clan Ancestral Court (Qinghe, Hebei)
   • Provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the 11.8-meter white marble statue.
   • Official video materials of ancestor-worshipping ceremonies.

VI. Practical Root-Seeking Guide

1. Recommended On-Site Worship Locations (for the most intuitive image experience)

2. Online Resource Acquisition

• Search Keywords: "Zhang Hui statue high-definition images", "Official photos of Puyang Zhang Hui Mausoleum", "Zhang Hui statue at Qinghe Huaxia Zhang Clan Ancestral Court".
• Official social media accounts of Chang clan associations (e.g., "World Chang Clan General Association", "China Zhang Clan Network") regularly release authoritative materials.

VII. Notes

1. Identification of Authentic Images

• Official images must include bows and arrows and arc star elements (core identification features).
• Globally recognized images of Zhang Hui are all of adult males (not elderly or teenagers).
• Any image that does not reflect the cultural connotations of "inventing the bow and arrow" and "being enfeoffed with the surname by Zhuanxu" is not an authoritative version.

2. Usage Suggestions

• For ancestor-worshipping activities, use standard images officially released by Puyang or Qinghe.
• For personal collection, choose officially authorized small souvenirs (e.g., golden mini-statues issued by the Chang Clan General Association of Singapore).
• For commercial use, indicate: "Image of Zhang Hui, ancestor of the Chang clan, sourced from the official statue at the ancestral root land in Puyang / prominent ancestral region in Qinghe".

Conclusion

The above image materials are all from globally recognized ancestral court holy lands by Chang clansmen worldwide, and are the standard images of the ancestor in the hearts of nearly 100 million Chang clansmen. For more professional academic research images, please contact the China Zhang Clan Culture Research Association or local Chang clan associations to obtain authorized materials.Root-Seeking Tip: To experience the most authentic image of the ancestor, it is recommended to personally visit and worship at the Zhang Hui Mausoleum in Puyang or the Huaxia Zhang Clan Ancestral Court in Qinghe—this is also the most authentic root-seeking method recognized by Chang clansmen worldwide.