Xi Yanying

Xi Yanying was the youngest sister of Xi Zhongxun, a senior leader of the Chinese Communist Party. She was the daughter of Xi Zongde and Chai Caihua, and the youngest among seven children. The Xi family traced its roots to Fuping, Shaanxi, while her mother came from Xichuan, Henan—neighboring regions that shaped a humble and traditional family background.

Growing up, Xi Yanying was deeply influenced by her father Xi Zongde’s strict yet caring discipline. Although he had no formal schooling, he was considered knowledgeable, principled, and both kind and stern. He emphasized respecting elders, caring for the young, avoiding quarrels, and being diligent and upright. Whenever the children became noisy, a single cough from him would bring instant silence to the household.

In the farming life of the family, her brothers were sent to the fields at a young age to weed and hoe, while the daughters learned spinning and weaving from their mother. As the youngest daughter, Xi Yanying was likely cared for by her older sisters while also being taught domestic skills by her mother, continuing the family tradition of 'farming and weaving as the foundation.'

Although little is publicly documented about Xi Yanying’s later life, family recollections suggest that, like her siblings, she grew up in an environment that valued thrift, discipline, and strong family ethics. This upbringing shaped her into a resilient and gentle character, making her an important part of the Xi family household.