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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.
Cities of Wuyi

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…
3 days ago0Comments

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World map showing the global routes of the 19th-century coolie trade from Asia and the Pacific to the Americas and Caribbean.
History and Culture

The Coolie Trade and Early Migration Patterns (1840–1874)

The mid-19th century marked a dark yet transformative period in Chinese migration history, dominated by the global coolie trade (苦力贸易). Tens of thousands of laborers, predominantly from Guangdong’s Taishan, Xinhui, and Enping counties, were swept into this exploitative system. Between 1840 and 1874, over 200,000 Chinese workers were shipped to destinations such as Peru, Cuba,…
April 9, 20250Comments

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Historic photo of Beijie Station, a key stop on the Sunning Railway in Guangdong, China, showcasing its clock tower and European-style architecture.
Cities of Wuyi Emigration Stories Historical Landmark Taishan

Sunning Railway: Uniting Taishan’s Overseas Chinese and Transforming a Nation

The Sunning Railway (新宁铁路), built in the early 20th century by Taishan’s overseas Chinese community, stands as a remarkable testament to unity and ambition. Spanning 138 kilometers, this railway connected remote villages to bustling markets, transforming Taishan into an economic and cultural hub. Led by visionary Chen Yixi, who rose from humble beginnings to master…
December 9, 20240Comments

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Sunset view over the Tanjiang River, an important rivier in Wuyi, with a modern outdoor seating area.
Artisans and Crafts Cities of Wuyi Emigration Stories Enping Heshan History and Culture Jiangmen Kaiping Taishan Xinhui

Roots of Legacy: Wuyi Impact & Future Generations

rom the bustling streets of California during the Gold Rush to the ports of Southeast Asia, Wuyi emigrants left their mark on the world. Their journeys not only transformed their lives but also fueled economic resilience and cultural preservation in their hometowns—Kaiping, Xinhui, Enping, Heshan, and Taishan. Through hard work, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit, these…
November 18, 20240Comments

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Roots of China: Celebrating Heritage, Empowering Artisans

Siyi to Wuyi: A Journey of Transformation and Heritage
Qílóu Architecture in Wuyi: Cultural Fusion and Resilience
Roots of Legacy: Wuyi Impact & Future Generations

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