Participants in the traditional Piaose parade in Taishan, a 500-year-old cultural tradition, showcasing vibrant costumes and performances in honor of the Guangdong Five Counties heritage.

Roots Across the Sea: Understanding the Guangdong Five Counties Diaspora Legacy

For millions of overseas Chinese whose families trace their origins to the Five Counties (Wuyi 五邑) region in Guangdong—namely Xinhui, Taishan, Kaiping, Enping, and Heshan—their ancestors’ migration was more than a physical journey. It was a saga of survival, resilience, and global identity forged from hardship and hope. A Fertile Land Shaped by Challenge Situated…

April 23, 20250Comments

BySteven

A circular ornamental abacus with turquoise beads and a central dragon design, framed by intricate carvings of mythical symbols, showcasing its dual role as a tool and artwork.

History and Culture

The Abacus: How a 1,000-Year-Old Chinese Tool Helped Build Atomic Bombs

It all started with a dusty old suitcase tucked away in the corner of my aunt’s attic. She had recently returned from a trip to North America, bringing back souvenirs, stories, and—apparently—a few surprises. As I helped her unpack, I noticed something unusual peeking out from beneath a pile of sweaters. Curious, I pulled it…

March 21, 20251Comment

BySteven

People gathered inside a Chinese ancestral hall with ornate decorations, banners, and altars, preserving Chinese genealogy traditions during a communal event.

History and Culture

Family Legacy: Chinese Genealogy and Ancestral Villages

Imagine stepping into an ancestral hall (宗祠, zōngcí)—its wooden beams creak under the weight of centuries, yet every inch tells a story. The air carries the faint scent of incense, and on the walls hang scrolls detailing names, dates, and achievements—a living record of your family’s journey through time. For overseas Chinese communities, Chinese genealogy…

March 20, 20251Comment

BySteven

Peter Stuckey speaking to a group of students during a tour in Kaiping Tangkou, with traditional brick architecture in the background.

Travel Guides

Kaiping Tangkou: Peter Stuckey, Blue Paintings, and the Village That Refuses to Fade

So there I was, sitting in the Four Seasons Restaurant in Kaiping Tangkou (yes, that Four Seasons), when I bumped into Peter Stuckey. Now, Peter’s no ordinary retiree—he’s not out here sipping margaritas on a beach or playing bingo. Oh no. This guy spends his days volunteering at the Tangkou Community Project , jetting back…

March 16, 20250Comments

BySteven

Bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, founding father of the Republic of China, displayed at a museum exhibit in Wuyi region

History and Culture

I Am Sun Yet-Sen Founder of Modern China: The Return to China and the Seeds of Revolution Part 3

In 1883, I was abruptly withdrawn from my studies at Iolani College in Hawaii and sent back to my ancestral home in Cuiheng Village. My brother, Sun Mei, made this decision after I tore down an image of Guan Yu—a revered deity among Chinese laborers abroad. This act was not merely vandalism but stemmed from…

March 14, 20250Comments

BySteven

A vibrant sunset over Guangzhou’s skyline featuring the Canton Tower and modern skyscrapers, representing the economic growth of the Siyi Greater Bay Area Development.

Wuyi Region Overview

Siyi Greater Bay Area Development: A Story of Economic Transformation and Regional Integration

The Siyi region—comprising Taishan, Kaiping, Enping, and Xinhui—has long been a cradle of resilience, innovation, and cultural richness. Known as the "侨乡" (ancestral hometown) for millions of overseas Chinese, this area has undergone profound economic transformations over the past two centuries. Today, as part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) , Siyi is not just…

March 2, 20250Comments

BySteven

A historic photo showing railroad workers, including Wuyi migrants, gathered at the Golden Spike ceremony, marking the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Emigration Stories

1890 Breakthrough: How Wuyi Migrants’ Revolutionary Resilience Defied Exploitation and Shaped History

In the 19th century, Wuyi migrants from Guangdong’s Siyi region set sail for distant shores, driven by dreams of economic prosperity and the hope of securing better futures for their families. Yet, behind these aspirations lay untold sacrifices—stories of exploitation, exclusion, and resilience that shaped not only their lives but also the foundations of global…

February 25, 20250Comments

BySteven

Workers harvesting and drying Chenpi (dried tangerine peel) in Xinhui under the open sky.

Cities of Wuyi Xinhui

How Xinhui’s 19th-Century Migration Boom Shaped Generations

Explore the 19th-century migration boom of Xinhui, its lasting global influence, and how it continues to shape cultural and economic ties worldwide.

February 13, 20250Comments

BySteven

A cheerful family selfie with a father, mother, and young daughter at an event. The background features a colorful

Cities of Wuyi Emigration Stories Wuyi Region Overview

Roots of China: 42 Inspiring Stories from 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve shared through Roots of China. What began as a dream years ago has blossomed into a vibrant space where stories of migration, resilience, and heritage come to life. From the iconic Diaolou towers of Kaiping to the heartfelt tale of a…

January 1, 20250Comments

BySteven