Top 10 Hometowns for Overseas Chinese
In earlier times, numerous residents of Fujian and Guangdong in China ventured abroad, particularly to Southeast Asia, in pursuit of better opportunities and livelihoods. Today, for overseas Chinese like you, embarking on a journey back to your ancestral hometown presents an invaluable opportunity to discover the land where your ancestors once lived, worked, and flourished. To facilitate your quest for roots, here are the top 10 hometowns for overseas Chinese to explore.
Quanzhou
As a well-known ancestral hometown in China, Quanzhou bears the emotions and memories of 9.5 million overseas Chinese of Quanzhou origin. Looking back, Quanzhou, the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, has a thousand-year-long history of emigrating abroad. Countless overseas Chinese of Quanzhou origin have diligently striven in foreign lands, creating numerous legends.
The overseas Chinese architecture is representative of Quanzhou, including arcades, Southern Fujian-style red-brick houses, Tulou (earth towers), stilt houses, and more. You can take a leisurely stroll along West Street and Zhongshan Street to sense the ancient history and culture of this city. The East and West Stone Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple also tell tales of a thousand years. Additionally, by visiting Nan'an, Jinjiang, Shishi, and Hui'an, you can experience the charm of Southern Fujian culture more deeply.
>> Recommended 4-day Xiamen and Quanzhou Culture Tour
Jiangmen
With more than 5.3 million overseas Chinese, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan compatriots distributed across 145 countries and regions worldwide, Jiangmen is famed as the hometown for overseas Chinese. Taking the overseas Chinese culture as its soul and the flavor of mountains and seas as its charm, Jiangmen presents various attractions for your China tours from Singapore, Malaysia, and more.
The arcade buildings in Chikan Ancient Town, a former overseas Chinese town, are inscribed with nostalgic memories of overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia. The mottled brick walls of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages narrate the legends of their adventures across the globe. The fragrance of lychee wood in Gujing Roast Goose, the mellow aftertaste of aged Xinhui Dried Tangerine Peel, and the crispy and soft texture of Enping Clay Oven Rolls are all vivid expressions of the overseas Chinese culture on the palate.
Fuzhou
With a history of over 2,200 years, Fuzhou is not only the birthplace of Mindu culture but also one of the famous hometowns for overseas Chinese. Stepping into Sanfang Qixiang, you will find the largest and best-preserved ancient street district from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. When visiting Gushan Mountain, you can feel its unique layout where "the mountain is in the city, and the city is in the mountain".
Besides, taking a night cruise on the Minjiang River allows you to appreciate the stunning beauty of historical buildings on both sides illuminated by lights. The classical gardens in West Lake Park are also a testament to the overseas Chinese culture. If you have the chance, don't miss the Fuzhou overseas Chinese hometown operatic drama, through which you can catch a glimpse of the customs and traditions of your ancestors.
>> Recommended 3-day Xiamen Tour with Nanjing Hakka Tulou
Putian
Putian is a traditional hometown of returning Chinese and the birthplace of Mazu culture, and it possesses a unique historical and cultural heritage. As descendants of overseas Chinese returning here, remember to visit the Overseas Chinese Memorial Hall in Jiangkou Town, which records the arduous entrepreneurial history of overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. Here, you'll also find the well-preserved letters that express the deep attachment of overseas Chinese to their hometown.
When mentioning Putian, how can we not mention Meizhou Island? As the birthplace of Mazu culture, it attracts numerous believers and tourists for worship and sightseeing every year. Jiuli Lake, famous for its waterfalls, is also a desirable destination. Nanshaolin Temple, as one of the birthplaces of southern martial arts, offers a display of amazing martial arts skills such as "One-finger Zen" and "Iron Head Kung Fu" performed by martial monks.
>> Recommended 10-Day Southeast China Tour for Overseas Chinese
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of the largest hometowns for overseas Chinese in China, with overseas Chinese being distributed in more than 130 countries and regions worldwide, mainly concentrated in Asia, North America, and Oceania. This millennium-old commercial city blends modern urban life with the ancient charm of Lingnan. You can ascend the 600-meter Canton Tower, also known as the "Slender Waist," to overlook the Pearl River at night. Wandering through the European-style architectural complex on Shamian Island, you'll hear the echoes of history. It's also a unique experience to taste the sweet water chestnut cakes under the arcades of Yongqing Fang. Don't miss the Overseas Chinese Cultural Activity Day in May each year to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture. If you're interested in traditional Chinese culture, you can also take a trip to Overseas Chinese Town in Shenzhen.Meizhou
Meizhou is honored as the "Hakka Capital of the World," not only carrying profound Hakka culture but also being one of the largest ancestral hometowns in China. The China Hakka Museum serves as a cultural window to understand the migration of the Hakka people, and the architecture here is also worth seeing. Meizhou Yannanfei Tea Field Scenic Area, with tea culture as its theme, gets its name representing the identification of Hakka people and overseas Chinese with their roots.
Huae Lou is praised as the largest, most exquisitely designed, and best-preserved ancient residential building in Guangdong, and is even regarded as a marvel among world residential architecture. If you want to deeply experience the overseas Chinese characteristics of Meizhou, Songkou Ancient Town is a must-visit. Strolling down the hundreds of meters-long street with a Nanyang flavor, you can see the old advertisement posters on the arcade walls even reveal a strong ancient charm.
>> Recommended 7-day Historic Guangdong Tour
Huizhou
The number of overseas Chinese: About 1.8 million
Overseas Chinese of Huizhou origin are scattered across five continents and more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, making it one of the largest hometowns of returning Chinese. They mainly reside in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. If you also plan a China tour from Malaysia or Singapore, the Taoist fairyland of Mount Luofu and the azure sea and silver sand of Shuangyue Bay are scenic spots that cannot be missed.
West Lake of Huizhou is as famous as West Lake of Hangzhou, and the landscapes here are breathtakingly beautiful. Xunliao Bay, also known as the Eastern Maldives, boasts a 16-kilometer pristine coastline with sand containing up to 99% silicon, making it a paradise for vacation. Nankunshan is an oasis on the Tropic of Cancer and a popular summer resort. If you visit Huizhou in the summer, don't miss it here.
Shantou
The number of overseas Chinese: About 2.85 million
Famous for its intangible cultural heritage such as Chaoshan opera, Yingge dance, Kung fu tea, and Chaoshan embroidery, Shantou is the birthplace of Chaoshan culture and one of the most famous ancestral hometowns in China. There are many attractions to explore during your China tours in Shantou. Nan'ao Island, also known as the "Eastern Hawaii," is a must-visit attraction, standing out with its exquisite natural landscape.
By visiting the Former Residence of Chen Cihong, a representative of traditional Chaoshan architecture, you can learn about Chaoshan woodcarving, inlaid porcelain crafts, and the history of the overseas Chinese hometown. Qianmei Ancient Village will amaze you with its quaint village architecture, offering a unique glimpse of the charm of the overseas Chinese hometown. Take a stroll along the century-old arcade buildings in the Xiaogongyuan Pioneering Area, you'll see the past of this city.
Chaozhou
Chaozhou is a notable hometown for overseas Chinese, with about 2.3 million overseas Chinese and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan of Chaozhou origin residing abroad. Some old buildings in Chaozhou incorporate a Nanyang style, reflecting the deep emotions of overseas Chinese toward their hometown. Qiaopi culture, a significant part of Chaozhou's overseas Chinese culture, documents the lives and emotions of overseas Chinese and holds considerable historical value.
When visiting Chaozhou, you must walk across Guangji Bridge, one of the Four Ancient Bridges in China, which is adorned with 24 ancient pagodas, presenting a picturesque view. Chaozhou Old City, known as the "Jewel of Lingnan Culture," preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Paifang Street, part of Chaozhou Old City, is famous for its unique arcade buildings and traditional Chaozhou cuisine. In addition, don't miss the ancient architectural complex of Kaiyuan Temple to experience Chaozhou's Buddhist culture.
Jieyang
As a part of the Chaoshan Area, Jieyang is also a celebrated hometown of returning Chinese. Every year during the Qingming Festival, many overseas Chinese return to Jieyang to worship their ancestors. It also offers a good opportunity for you to explore this ancient city during your tour of China.
Jieyang Tower is the landmark building of Jieyang, which is 38 meters tall, exuding a mighty and majestic aura. Jinxian Gate is the only gate-tower-pavilion trinity of Ming Dynasty style in China, providing a panoramic view of Jieyang city from atop. Jieyang Confucius Temple boasts a history of over 800 years and is the largest Confucius Temple in Lingnan with the most embryonic structures. Qingshi Cultural Tourism Area allows you to experience intangible cultural heritage, take a boat ride along the river, and visit the unique tea house district.
Plan Your Tour of Hometown for Overseas Chinese with ETC
Looking to travel to the hometown of overseas Chinese in addition to returning home for ancestor worship and family visits? You can plan your tours with Easy Tour China. With over 20 years of domestic tourism experience, we are committed to providing our clients with affordable and high-quality customized China tour packages. Below are our popular China tour packages for overseas Chinese.
If you require customized services, please contact us. We will tailor the itinerary according to your needs, ensuring that you have a carefree and enjoyable trip in China.
