The Name That Carried 3,100 Years
In the eleventh century before the Common Era, a man named Wen Shu (文叔) knelt before King Wu of Zhou and received a fiefdom in the fertile plains of what is now Henan province. The new territory was called Xu (许). Wen Shu traced his lineage to the legendary…
Which Generation Are You?
For the Guan clan (关氏, Guān shì), the answer lies in a 32-character generation poem (字辈诗, zìbèi shī) — a naming system carried across the Pacific, preserved across seven centuries, and shared by every branch of the family from San Francisco to Singapore to Sydney. Unlike a family tree, the poem…
For overseas Chinese with roots in the Wuyi (五邑) region of southern China, the story of emigration is personal. It is one of survival, hardship, and reinvention. But what many may not realize is that long before Guangzhou became a global trading hub, the quieter ports of Xinhui and Taishan were already key arteries of…
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Wuyi diaspora emerged as one of history’s most remarkable migration stories. Originating from the rural counties of the Wuyi region—such as Taishan in Guangdong Province—tens of thousands of Chinese men embarked on perilous journeys abroad. Driven by economic hardship, colonial labor demands, and the chaos following…
Discover the inspiring journey of the Sze Yup diaspora, a 200-year saga of resilience, heritage, and triumph. From the historic Diaolou watchtowers of Guangdong’s Sze Yup region to the goldfields of Australia and the bustling streets of San Francisco, this article explores how Sze Yup emigrants overcame adversity, preserved their culture, and built thriving communities…
Discover how Chikan Town, with its historic qilou and diaolou structures, reflects the lasting impact of migration on Chinese culture. Learn about the town’s origins, shaped by the Opium Wars, famine, and the powerful role of family networks in overseas migration.
Discover Qílóu Architecture in Wuyi—a stunning mix of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and European styles. These historic arcade buildings reflect cultural fusion, resilience, and the legacy of the Chinese diaspora
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Taishan (台山), known as the “First Home of Overseas Chinese” in Guangdong, China. From historic Diaolou towers to bustling festivals and authentic cuisine, Taishan offers a unique window into the legacy of Chinese migration and cultural fusion. At Roots of China, we craft immersive journeys that go…