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A weathered grave marker bearing Chinese inscriptions stands amidst snow-covered fields, marking the resting place of Mrs. Wong Kim—a testament to the enduring legacy of Montana’s Chinese pioneers

Ghosts of Gold Mountain: Grave-Sweeping Rituals and the Resilience of Montana’s Chinese Railroad Workers

Between 1865 and 1890, over 1,200 Chinese laborers worked on Montana’s railroads, including the Northern Pacific Railway. Most were young men from Taishan and Kaiping in Guangdong’s Wuyi region, recruited through clan networks to replace Irish crews deemed too costly. These men left their families behind, hoping to earn enough to send money home or…

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

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…

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A scenic canal with traditional architecture, featuring a boat gliding through the water in an ancient town linked to the Guan clan.

From Northern Fortresses to Southern Shores: The Guan Clan’s 700-Year Odyssey of Resilience

The Guan clan (关氏家族) has a storied history spanning over 700 years—a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and enduring cultural legacy. From their origins as scholar-officials in Fujian Province during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) to their transformation into global citizens, the Guan family has navigated centuries of upheaval, migration, and reinvention. Drawing…

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Xinhui Xuegong, historic Confucian temple in Xinhui, China.

Siyi Region Landmarks: A Journey Through History and Heritage

Discover the Siyi region’s remarkable journey through time, where the legacies of migration and cultural heritage intertwine. This article invites the overseas Chinese diaspora to reconnect with their roots by exploring iconic landmarks like the Kaiping Diaolou, the historic Chikan Town, and the Wuyi Overseas Chinese Museum. Through stories of resilience and preservation, this guide…

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Full-size replica boat at Taishan Haikou Bu, a historical departure port for Siyi migrants.

Taishan Haikou Port Museum: Meet China’s Migrant Past

Nestled at the confluence of the Datong (大同) and Duanfen (端芬) Rivers, the Haikou Port Museum in Haikou Bu (海口埠) stands as a living record of China’s overseas migration story. Here, original qiaopi (侨批) documents and restored streetscapes bring to life the resilience, family ties, and global aspirations that defined generations of Guangfu (广府) travelers.…

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