Taishan – Birthplace of Chinatown

Taishan, located in the southwest of Guangdong province, is often called the “First Homeland of Overseas Chinese” because of its massive diaspora. For over a century, generations of Taishanese people have emigrated around the world, especially to the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia, creating strong international family networks and remitting support back home. This connection gave Taishan a global outlook long before modern globalization took hold. The town itself remains deeply proud of its overseas sons and daughters, and many visiting Taishanese return to honor their roots, reconnect with relatives, and celebrate the traditions of their ancestral villages.

One of Taishan’s most fascinating cultural treasures is its collection of diaolous, multi-story fortified towers built mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These unique buildings, blending Western and Chinese architectural elements, were funded by overseas Chinese and designed to protect villagers from bandits and floods. Standing tall in the countryside, the diaolous are decorated with balconies, watchtowers, and even Gothic columns, a striking testament to how global influences shaped local construction. Today, UNESCO recognizes these structures as World Heritage Sites, preserving them as symbols of Taishan’s cultural resilience and the legacy of its far-reaching diaspora.

Beyond its rich architecture and overseas ties, Taishan offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Cantonese rural life. Local cuisine is hearty and comforting, featuring fresh seafood, rice congee, and homestyle stir-fries prepared with seasonal greens from the fields. Village festivals blend traditional rituals with customs brought back from abroad, showing how deeply the diaspora is woven into daily life. The people of Taishan maintain a strong sense of identity, shaped by their ancestors’ journeys and the stories that have come back with each generation. Exploring Taishan today means discovering a place where heritage, global connections, and local pride harmoniously come together.