Top Relative-visiting Destinations in China for Citizens from Southeast Asia

There are some overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. And most of the overseas Chinese are from 2 provinces in China, Guangdong Province and Fujian Province. From 1860 to 1950s, many Chinese went to Southeast Asia to seek opportunities for business. And now, many overseas Chinese will come back to Fujian and Guangdong to worship their ancestors or visit their relatives. The overseas Chinese want to see their or their ancestor’s hometown in China. Except for visiting relatives and worshiping ancestors, you will also have time to stroll around the city, visit the attractions and feel the life of the locals. You will know more about the hometown of your ancestors and find the beauty of the cities in China. This article introsuces you the main cities in Guangdong and Fujian that the overseas Chinese and citizens form Southeast Asia will mainly go to visit relatives or worship ancestors.

 

Jiangmen

Jiangmen is a city in Guangdong Province. Jiangmen is a city near the sea. As one of the hometown of the overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia, there are some things to do in Jiangmen. Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are UNESCO World Heritage. Kaiping Diaolou is a tower combining Chinese and Western architectural styles. It has the function of defense and residence. Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of culture of overseas Chinese. The Birds’ Paradise in Jiangmen is one of the largest natural parks in China to watch the birds. In Jiangmen, you can walk around the characteristic streets with impressive buildings. Shangchuan Island and Xiachuan Island are known as pleasant climate, beautiful scenery and mysterious legends. The springs in Jiangmen are also very famous.

Kaiping Diaolou in Jiangmen

Meizhou

Located in the northwest of Guangdong Province, Meizhou is also an important hometown of overseas Chinese. Explore Meizhou from Southeast Asia, there are many things to do in Meizhou. Meizhou boasts famous mountains, ancient temples, former residence of celebrities, cultural relics and historic sites, springs, waterfalls and picturesque lakes. To better know about the Hakka culture and customs, you can visit the Hakka Museum of China at Meizhou. At the Songkou Ancient Town, you can appreciate the traditional buildings and take the boat on the river. There is also the round Tulou in Meizhou called Huae Building, a round wood and earth construction residence of Hakka.

Meizhou Tulou

Chaoshan Area

Chaoshan Area mainly refers to Chaozhou, Shantou and Jieyang, where Chanshan culture and Chaoshan Language prevail. Chaoshan Area is one of the most important hometowns of the overseas Chinese in Guangdong Province. Chaoshan area is a famous tourist attraction and hometown to tea, delicious food, etc.

Chaozhou

Chaozhou, a city in Chaoshan Area, is also a hometown to the overseas Chinese. Chaozhou is a famous historical and cultural city in China. Except for worshiping ancestors and visiting relatives, there are many things to do in Chaozhou. To fully feel the character of Chaozhou, you can walk around the streets in Chaozhou. Walking around Chaozhou, you can observe the buildings, temple, foods and drinks. Chaozhou is also a City of Gastronomy in the world listed by UNESCO. You should not miss the Chaozhou Cuisine if you come to Chaozhou. In Chaozhou, you will see ancient city wall, ancient temples, traditional residences, ancient memorial arch and other relic sites. If you have enough time, you can stroll around the city slowly and experience the big and small historical sites in Chaozhou.
 

Recommended attractions: Paifang Street, Guangji Bridge and Kaiyuan Temple

Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou

Shantou

Shantou is also a hometown of overseas Chinese in Guangdong Province. Traveling to Shantou, you will fully feel this ancient and modern city. Shantou is modern and you can see many landmarks of it including the Shantou Tower and Shantou Bay Bridge. There are many things to do in Shantou other than worshiping ancestors and visiting relatives. Shantou is famous for its beef hot pot, snacks and seafood. Walking around the city, you can see buildings of western architectural style and know about their stories. In Shantou, you can see temples, islands and former residence of celebrities. Nan’ao Island is a famous island in Shantou and China with beautiful scenery.

Nan'ao Island in Shantou

 

Jieyang

Located in the east of Guangdong, Jieyang is also a hometown of the overseas Chinese. Jieyang is known as it Chaoshan culture. Chaoshan dialect, Chaoshan opera, Chaoshan Yingge Dance, Chaoshan Kongfu Tea and Chaoshan cuisine are all the representatives of the Chaoshan culture in Jieyang. In Jieyang, you can visit some historical sites including Jieyang Tower and Jinxian Gate. At the Jinxian Gate, you can see the Jieyang tourist map. There are recommended routes and attractions for 1 day, two day and three days. If you have no idea of what to do in jieyang, the tourist map is helpful for your reference.

In Jieyang, you will have the chance to experience the Torchlight Festival and the activity of dragon boat races. There are also many foods to taste in Jieyang like Hongtaoguo, Guotiao(rice noodles), Kongfu Tea, Beef hot pot and many other local snacks.

Jinxian Gate in Jieyang

 

Quanzhou

Quanzhou is a city in Fujian Province, which is near Xiamen. Quanzhou is the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Quanzhou is also a main hometown of the overseas Chinese. Except for worshiping ancestors and visiting relatives, there are other things worth doing in Quanzhou. There are many historical sites in Quanzhou including bridges, temples, museums, traditional residences, sculptures, city wall, ancestral temple and ruins site. Which places to visit depend on what kind of attractions you want to experience. The beaches in Quanzhou are very beautiful, which you can take time to visit and find the difference of beaches between China and Southeast Asia.
 

Recommended Attractions: Tumeng Street, East Lake Park,Anping Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, Chongwu Ancient City, Daiyun Mountain, etc

Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou

 

Fuzhou

Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, is also a main hometown of the overseas Chinese in China. Fuzhou is a historical and cultural city in China. With a history more than 2,200 years, Fuzhou is with deep cultural heritage. Visiting relatives and worshiping ancestors in Fuzhou, there are other things to do for citizens of Southeast Asia. Fuzhou cuisine is the representative of Fujian Cuisine. In Fuzhou, you should not miss the Fuzhou cuisines like Fotiaoqiang(Steamed Abalone with Shark’s Fin and Fish Maw in Broth). To feel the culture of Fuzhou, you can visit the famous mountains, temples and residences including Sanfang Qixiang. At the top of Qiguanding in the Qida Village, you can overlook the mountain, island, fishing village and the sea, which is an impressive picture. 

Qida Village in Fuzhou