Walking Into History

Walking into the Taishan Overseas Chinese Culture Museum, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard it was modern, with sleek architecture and high-tech exhibits, but I didn’t anticipate how deeply it would resonate with me. As someone with roots in the Siyi region, this museum isn’t just about history—it’s about feeling a connection to the people and stories that shaped my family’s journey.

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The Guanghai Port Exhibit: A Mirror to My Past

One of the first exhibits that caught my attention was the recreation of families saying goodbye at Guanghai Port. It depicted the early 1800s, when the first wave of Taishanese emigrants left for the Americas. But what struck me was how familiar it felt.

In 1997, my family left Kaiping for the U.S. The infrastructure back then was nothing like it is today. We took a boat to Hong Kong, and from there, we flew to America. The wooden boats of the 1800s had been replaced by steamboats, but the essence was the same—tearful goodbyes, the weight of leaving loved ones behind, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Standing in front of that exhibit, I was transported back to my own departure. It was a moment of connection, not just with history, but with my own story.

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The Silver Letters: Lifelines Across Oceans

The museum doesn’t just focus on the hardships of leaving home; it also highlights the sacrifices made to support families left behind. One of the most touching displays was the silver letters—remittances sent back to Taishan. These weren’t just envelopes with money; they were lifelines.

For my parents and grandparents, these letters were a tangible connection to the family members who had gone abroad. They knew the songs children sang, waiting for their fathers to return. One song, about “eating bitterness,” captures the essence of why so many Taishanese left home: to endure hardship so their families could live decent lives. Seeing those letters, I thought of my own family and the sacrifices they made to give us a better future.

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The Sunning Railway: A Legacy of Love

One of the most inspiring exhibits was about the Sunning Railway, built by Chen Yixi, a Taishanese immigrant who returned to invest in his homeland. The museum displays real rail tracks and a replica locomotive, and standing there, I felt a deep sense of pride.

Chen Yixi worked in the railway industry in the U.S. for 40 years before selling his house to fund the Sunning Railway. His story is a testament to the love and dedication Taishanese immigrants had for the land they left behind. The railway was a symbol of hope and progress, and even though it was eventually dismantled, its legacy lives on. It’s a reminder of how much our ancestors achieved, despite the odds.

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Sacrifice and Service: Defending the Homeland

Another powerful exhibit focused on the Siyi volunteers who returned to China during World War II. These young men, many of whom were born abroad, chose to fight for a land they had never known. Their courage and sacrifice left me in awe.

The museum also doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of history, like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the interrogations at Angel Island. These exhibits are a sobering reminder of the discrimination our ancestors faced, but they also highlight their resilience. Walking through those displays, I felt a mix of sadness and pride—sadness for what they endured, but pride in how they overcame it.

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A Blend of Cultures: East Meets West

One of my favorite parts of the museum was the exhibit showing a traditional ancestral house next to a modern home. The traditional house felt familiar, like stepping into my grandparents’ home, while the modern house reflected the blend of East and West that defines Taishan today.

It’s amazing to see how the diaspora has influenced the culture of Taishan. The mix of architectural styles, the fusion of traditions—it’s a testament to the enduring connection between overseas Chinese and their ancestral homeland. Walking through that exhibit, I felt a deep sense of belonging.

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Why This Museum Matters

The Taishan Overseas Chinese Culture Museum is more than a collection of artifacts—it’s a place where history feels alive. For younger generations, it’s a chance to understand the sacrifices our ancestors made. For older generations, it’s a place to reflect on how far we’ve come.

For me, it was a journey through my own story. It brought back memories, sparked emotions, and deepened my appreciation for my roots. It reminded me that our history isn’t just something in a textbook—it’s alive, and it’s part of who we are.

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A Homecoming

As I walked out of the museum, I felt a mix of emotions—gratitude, pride, and a renewed connection to my heritage. If you have roots in Taishan or the Siyi region, I can’t recommend this museum enough. It’s more than a museum; it’s a homecoming. It’s a place where the past, present, and future come together, and where the stories of our ancestors live on.

To learn more about the Taishanese culture, check out The Taishan Project

Practical Information:

• Address: Chen Yixi Road, Taishan City, Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, China (east of the Taishan Xinning Sports Center).
• Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM). Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free. Guided tours are available for groups with prior booking.
• Contact: For inquiries or reservations, call 0750-5581886.