Finding My Place in Kaiping

When I first arrived in Kaiping, I didn’t expect to feel so at home. The Diaolou towers, standing tall against the sky, seemed to hold secrets—stories of families who left, of dreams pursued far away, and of the unbreakable ties that always brought them back. It was here, walking these quiet streets and listening to the echoes of the past, that I realized I had a story to tell.

That’s how Roots of China began. It started as a dream years ago, a seed of an idea that took root in my heart. After years of planning, researching, and imagining, we finally launched www.rootsofchina.com just two months ago. In that short time, Roots of China has become so much more than I ever imagined. What began as my own way of reconnecting with my heritage has blossomed into a space to share the beauty, the struggles, and the resilience of Chinese culture with people like you—people who, no matter where you are in the world, carry a piece of this heritage in your hearts.

As 2024 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared through Roots of China. It’s been a year of discovery, connection, and, most of all, pride in where we come from.

The Heart of Roots of China

At its core, Roots of China is about connection. It’s about bridging the gap between the past and the present, between the places we call home and the lands our ancestors left behind. Living in Kaiping, I’ve been lucky to see both sides of this story—the traditions that have been preserved here and the ways they’ve been carried across oceans and generations.

This year, Roots of China has focused on the Siyi region—Kaiping, Enping, Taishan, and Xinhui—a place that holds a special meaning for so many of us. It’s a place of ancestral villages, of family stories, and of traditions that have shaped who we are.

The Stories That Moved Us

In just two months, Roots of China has published over 40 posts and welcomed more than 1,000 visitors to the site. It’s been incredible to see how these stories have resonated with you.

One of the most powerful pieces we shared this year was THE CIRCLE OF LIFE – A GRANDSON OF EMIGRANTS RETURNS TO FIND HIS ROOTS AFTER 120 YEARS. This story, contributed by Ian Tham, touched so many of us. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we go or how many generations pass, the pull of our roots remains strong.

Through Roots of China, we’ve also explored the Diaolou towers, those stunning symbols of resilience and cultural fusion. We’ve celebrated Lunar New Year traditions, shared the stories of artisans keeping ancient crafts alive, and delved into the history of the Siyi region. Each post has been a step closer to understanding the depth and beauty of our heritage.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

This year has taught me so much. It’s taught me that heritage isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we carry it forward. It’s about the way a grandmother’s recipe can bring a family together, the way a Diaolou tower can remind us of the sacrifices our ancestors made, and the way a story can connect us to people we’ve never met.

It’s also taught me that I’m not alone in this journey. Your messages, comments, and stories have been a constant source of inspiration. You’ve shown me that Roots of China isn’t just my project—it’s ours.

What’s Next for Roots of China

As we look ahead to 2025, I’m excited to expand the horizons of Roots of China. While the Siyi region will always be close to my heart, I want to explore the broader sweep of Chinese culture—its 5,000 years of history, its diverse traditions, and the ways it continues to evolve.

Through Roots of China, I’m planning to dive deeper into regional histories, share interviews with people who are keeping our heritage alive, and uncover lesser-known stories that deserve to be told. And I want you to be a part of it. If there’s a story, a tradition, or a place that’s meaningful to you, let me know. Roots of China is for all of us.

A Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart

None of this would have been possible without you. To everyone who has read, shared, or commented on a post—thank you. To Iam Tham, whose story of reconnection moved us all—thank you. To the artisans, historians, and storytellers who’ve shared their knowledge—thank you.

You’ve reminded me that heritage isn’t just something we preserve—it’s something we live, something we share, and something we carry with us wherever we go.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

As we step into the new year, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared through Roots of China and excitement for what’s to come. Roots of China is more than a blog—it’s a celebration of the ties that bind us, no matter where we are in the world.

So, let’s keep the conversation going. What stories do you want to hear? What traditions do you want to celebrate? Let me know in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear from you.