From Villages to Civilizations: Rethinking “China” through the Lens of Tianxia

Over the past weeks, we have wandered through the ancestral lanes of Wuyi villages, tracing how kinship, reciprocity, and ritual practice continue to structure rural life in southern China. We have seen how gifts are exchanged not just in celebration but in the renewal of bonds; how ancestral halls are not relics but living institutions;…

ByStevenJune 10, 20251Comment

A group of early Taishanese migrants in Cuba, carrying woven baskets and personal belongings, symbolizing their journey from Guangdong to a new life abroad.

Emigration Stories

What Happened to the Chinese in Cuba? The Untold Story of Havana’s Lost Chinatown

In the mid-1800s, a young man from Taishan, Guangdong, stood on the deck of a ship bound for Havana, Cuba. He wasn’t alone—thousands of others from his hometown had made the same journey, carrying little more than hope and a fierce determination to survive. Back home, poverty and social unrest had left few options. For…

ByStevenMarch 25, 20250Comments

A historical photograph of Chinese families walking through San Francisco’s Chinatown, representing the preservation of the Siyi dialect among Wuyi migrants.

History and Culture

The Siyi Dialect: A Heartbeat of Identity Calling Across Generations

Language is more than words—it is the soul of a culture, a living thread that stitches together generations, histories, and identities. For third- and fourth-generation overseas Chinese from the Siyi region, Siyi dialects like Taishanese (台山话) are far more than tools for communication. They are bridges to a heritage steeped in resilience, echoes of ancestors…

ByStevenFebruary 27, 20250Comments

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…

ByStevenJanuary 1, 20250Comments

Lighting incense sticks from a candle flame during modern ancestor worship practices.

History and Culture

Ancestor Worship in Diaspora Communities

Join the journey of Chinese diaspora communities as they adapt ancestor worship for modern life, blending digital innovations with cherished traditions.

ByStevenDecember 2, 20240Comments