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…
The Hidden Epicenter of Revolution At the southern edge of China, where fertile plains meet the restless waves of the South China Sea, lies Wuyi (五邑)—a region that defied its modest size to become the unseen powerhouse behind the fall of the Qing Dynasty. Comprising Xinhui (新会), Taishan (台山), Kaiping (开平), Enping (恩平), and Heshan…
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…
In my lifetime, I’ve had over thirty names. In the United States, people called me Sun Yat-sen; in Japan, most referred to me as Sun Wen. After the Xinhai Revolution, my comrades honored me with the name Sun Zhongshan. At home, my family called me Sun Dixiang—a name steeped in superstition, supposedly because a fortune-teller…
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…
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…
Explore the 19th-century migration boom of Xinhui, its lasting global influence, and how it continues to shape cultural and economic ties worldwide.
For over two centuries, the Taishanese people from China have built a global legacy through migration, resilience, and cultural preservation. From shaping the vibrant communities of San Francisco and Sydney to preserving their unique dialect and architectural heritage, their influence spans generations. Discover how the Taishanese have navigated challenges, maintained deep ties to their homeland,…
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…