Cai Clan｜The Cai Clan of Jiyang: Heirs of the State of Cai｜The Surname Archive·SoChina

Key Nanyang Chinese SurnameCentral Plains Origin

OriginsOrigin

Main line: descended from the Ji surname. Shu Du, son of King Wen of Zhou, was enfeoffed with the State of Cai (Shangcai, Henan); when the state fell, descendants took the state name as their surname.

Multiple origins: surname changes by ethnic minorities.

Root point: the ancient State of Cai in Shangcai, Henan.

Migration RoutesMigration Routes

▸ Domestic migration: originated in the Central Plains; crossed south in the Wei–Jin era; entered Fujian in the Tang and Song, where the Cai of Quanzhou and Zhangzhou grew into a great clan; later spread into eastern Guangdong.

▸ Overseas branch: the Minnan Cai were among the earliest pioneer communities in the Philippines and Singapore.

Cultural SymbolsCULTURAL SYMBOLS

CommanderyJiyang 济阳

Hall NameJiyang Tang 济阳堂

Family PreceptsHonor the ancestors and cherish benevolence; revere learning and raise up the clan

Ancient NotablesCai Shudu, Cai Lun

Overseas Community Leaders[To be added]

Classic StoryCai Lun Invents Paper

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The Cai mainstream hall name is Jiyang Tang, tracing to the ancient State of Cai in Shangcai, Henan. Quanzhou and Zhangzhou in Minnan are the core native places, and the Cai clan community in the Philippines is especially thriving.