Many people didn't want to move despite generous subsidies. The government put up a notice asking those who were unwilling to leave to register their names under the locust tree beside a temple. Those who were willing to go didn't have to.

But those who went to register were immediately forced to migrate. Some were even tied to the tree for fear they might flee.

Members of families of four or more people had to migrate. Two family members would have to relocate if the family had six people. And three would have to relocate if it had eight.

Mostly men left.

Families were split apart-often, for the rest of their lives.

The locust tree witnessed 18 migrations in 50 years, making it a symbol of the events. The migrants ended up in about 20 provinces in central, northern and eastern China.

Many people still return to the tree to trace their roots today.

Visitors can watch a performance that depicts the migration.

Or, they can visit the Yellow River's Hukou Waterfalls, the Taosi Ruins or the Dingcun Paleolithic Sites.

Indeed, it seems the small city has a vast history, largely unknown to travelers-for now.

Those who make the trip will find much to discover.

Contact the writer at wangru1@chinadaily.com.cn