Mingshi Lou in Zili village, Kaiping, Guangdong Province, China

SEPTEMBER & DECEMBER 2025 · 10 DAYS

Homecoming:
Guangdong

This journey traces the footsteps of overseas Chinese (Cantonese, Taishanese, Toishanese, Teochew, and Hakka). We will start the trip in Hong Kong where we'll explore ancient Hakka villages and experience the city's unique cultural heritage. We'll then delve into the heart of Guangdong in Guangzhou, savoring renowned dim sum and exploring historical landmarks. Our journey continues to Jiangmen, specifically Taishan and Kaiping, which are historically some of the largest sources of Chinese immigrants to North America in the 19th–20th centuries. We will visit Shantou, the gateway for millions of Teochew immigrants, where we'll visit temples and the grand residence of a prominent overseas Chinese. Finally, in Chaozhou, the cradle of Teochew culture, we'll immerse ourselves in ancient architecture, savor local delicacies, and pay homage to the rich cultural heritage that has shaped diasporic communities worldwide.

Who This Experience Is For

Curious Returnee

If you are an immigrant, child/grandchild/great-grandchild of immigrants, third culture kid or an adoptee who has rarely had an opportunity to go back to your motherland, this trip gives you a chance to dive deep into your ancestors' history in a way that is deeply personal.

Reflective, Community Oriented Traveler

During our trip, Grace and Yongjian will lead guided breakout sessions designed to foster emotional connection and a sense of community. We will have the opportunity to talk about our immigrant family experiences and have conversations about the conflicts we have with our identity in a safe space.

Overseas Chinese History Enthusiast

Overseas Chinese History is often reduced to the typical "coolie" narrative - overlooked in classes and stereotyped as railroad and restaurant workers. By visiting museums and villages, this trip will teach you about the wider stories that shaped the overseas Chinese experience - one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable contributions.

Note: Itinerary may change, changes will be communicated to travelers in advance when possible.

This experience qualifies for the 10 day visa free policy if you have a ticket booked to a 3rd country.

Itinerary

Get oriented on your first day in Hong Kong. Get to know your fellow travelers!

On Day 1, we will take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak to get panoramic views of Hong Kong.

We will cross the water to Tsim Sha Tsui and take a stroll along the Avenue of Stars to find the iconic Bruce Lee statue before we have a dim sum lunch before visiting the Hong Kong Museum of History to view the exhibit: “Multifaceted Hong Kong” Exhibition Series: Sojourning in Gold Mountain – Hong Kong and the Lives of Overseas Chinese in California.

In the evening, we will visit the Temple Street Night Market and then take the Star Ferry to watch the multi-media laser show – “A Symphony of Lights.”

We will also take a day in Hong Kong to explore the following ancient Hakka villages in Hong Kong (Kat Hing Wai, Fanling Wai, Tsang Tai Uk)
In Guangzhou, we will stroll through the city's historic heart, including the enchanting Shamian Island, where colonial architecture whispers tales of the past as a concession to France and the United Kingdom in the 19th century.

Our culinary adventure will be a highlight, savoring the renowned dim sum delicacies that have captivated generations.

Experience the dynamic contrast of modern and historical Guangzhou as we ascend the iconic Canton Tower, marvel at the exquisite Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts, find tranquility amidst the serene Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, pay homage at Bruce Lee's ancestral home, and delve into the spiritual realm at Dafo Temple.

Our exploration culminates amidst the picturesque serenity of Baomo Garden, leaving you with an indelible memory of Guangzhou's captivating charm.
Jiangmen is historically one of the largest sources of Chinese immigrants to North America in the 19th–20th centuries. If you trace your ancestry to Taishan or Kaiping, this is a perfect opportunity for you to dive deeper into the history of your family.

In Taishan, we will visit the Taishan Overseas Chinese Culture Museum and the Chikan Ancient Town to visit the First Qiaoxiang Museum to learn about Taishan’s history as a major source of Chinese immigrants to the U.S. and Southeast Asia.

In the evening, we will try traditional Taishanese seafood, salt baked chicken, and more!

In Kaiping, we will visit the Kaiping Diaolou (Zili Village & Li Garden), which are fortified towers built by wealthy overseas Chinese businessmen to keep their families safe while they were abroad and are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We will also visit Majianglong Watchtowers, a serene village with diaolou hidden among bamboo forests, great for photography.
From Guangzhou, we will take a train to Shantou, the birthplace of Teochew (Chaozhou) cuisine.

Between 1864 and 1911 alone, nearly 3 million people Teochew immigrants migrated from Chaoshan region (Chaozhou, Shantou and Jieyang) to Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong).

In Shantou, we will explore the Old Downtown and visit the Tianhou Temple and the Guandi Temple, the last stops that these immigrants made before they set sail for Southeast Asia.

We will visit Chen Cihong's Residence, built by the family of the prominent overseas Chinese industrialist and financier who moved from this region to Thailand.

With its four courtyards and 500+ rooms, this residence demonstrates classical Chinese palace-style architecture and Western architectural art.
Last but not least, we will visit Chaozhou, the capital of Teochew culture. We will visit the Chaozhou Ancient City and within the ancient walls, we will walk through the Paifang Street (Arch Street) and try local street foods, admire the Guangji Gate Tower, and walk across the Guangji Bridge!

We will also visit the Kaiyuan Temple, a Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,000 years.

We will also visit the Huang Jilue Ancestral Hall, which displays the finest wood carving art of Chaozhou in the Qing dynasty and the residence of the Imperial Son-in-Law Xu, which is the oldest mansion-style residence in Chaozhou.

Finally, we will visit the Longhu Ancient Village, with more than 100 well-preserved buildings from different dynasties.

Highlights

Immerse Yourself in Historic Villages

In Hong Kong and China, we will walk through historic Hakka, Toisan and Teochew villages

Admire Kaiping's Towering Diaolous

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Diaolous, majestic towers built by wealthy overseas Chinese

Dim Sum Making Class

Learn how to make dim sum classics from a dim sum expert in Guangzhou

Grace & Yongjian will accompany you on entire experience (except to/from airport and during free time). We LOVE sharing the beauties of China with our friends and encourage you to ask any questions!

Whenever necessary, we will have local guides and drivers accompanying us as well.
For all our experiences, we strive to pick accommodations that are clean and authentic.

Whenever possible, we choose to support small, local guesthouses run by people from the community.

Costs differ between single and double occupancy, please review the costs below
Every night, you will try different traditional dishes of the region we are in. Family style means you will share food with your fellow travelers. Both of us are HUGE foodies and we can vouch for the quality of the food we pick!

If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, etc.) or food allergies, please inform us in advance of the trip so we can make this trip enjoyable and safe for you.
In this virtual pre-departure orientation, we will cover essential apps (payment, maps, VPNs, eSIMs) and practical on the ground tips that will help you navigate China like a local.

It's also an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and ask us any questions!
For any sites mentioned in the itinerary that require an entrance ticket, the cost of the ticket for each traveler will be covered.

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
All overland transportation, including high speed trains, buses, and rideshares.

Metro rides within cities are not covered.

Transportation during free time is not covered.

Any transportation to Hong Kong (flight or train) before the trip begins is not covered and any transportation after Day 10 is not covered.
To remember your trip, you will receive a From Roots to Bridges themed goodie bag! Inform us of your t-shirt size prior to the trip.

What Is Included

What Is Not Included

- Travel Insurance (REQUIRED for every traveler)

- Chinese Tourist Visa (if required)

- Meals Not Included in the Itinerary

- Breakfast, lunch, and alcoholic drinks

- Personal Expenses (souvenirs, gifts, etc.)

- Room service, laundry, incidentals

- Activities not a part of the itinerary

- Hospital bills and related medical expenses
- Damaged or lost personal possessions

Costs

Single Occupancy

$2500 USD (includes VAT)

You will have a room and bathroom to yourself

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Double Occupancy

$2000 USD (includes VAT)

You will share a room with a person of the same gender or your requested roommate

What Our Travelers Say

Jurrien & Sandra

Together with Grace and Yongjian, we travelled for almost 2 weeks through the province of Yunnan. Having never been to China, we felt a bit overwhelmed with the required preparations for this huge country. Even before we crossed the border from Vietnam to China, they prepared us in every possible way. From how to use Alipay and WeChat, to buying SIM Cards and setting up a VPN. Their knowledge about the area was astounding. Especially on the topics on (local) cuisine and culture, they introduced us to so much we didn't know. The itinerary chosen, suited well with our interests and the execution went very well.

Sebastien

China wasn’t on my travel list until Yongjian and Grace's captivating passion and deep knowledge opened my eyes to its wonders. Their guidance was essential in securing a SIM card, managing payments, booking trains and ordering food. This allowed me to fully embrace Yunnan’s rich diversity, from vibrant markets and museums to stunning landscapes and historical sites. The region’s varied ethnic groups and incredible cuisine enriched every moment. This trip not only left me with precious memories and a new perspective on travel and China but also the gift of friendship with two remarkable people I now call friends.

Angela & Yang

During our trip to China, especially in Fuzhou, Grace and Yongjian made our experience truly unforgettable. Although we have visited China several times before and speak the language (more or less), it can still be challenging to navigate the country, as everything changes so quickly. What made the journey even more special were the fascinating stories they shared about their own trips and the history and culture of the region. Touring with Grace and Yongjian was an absolute pleasure, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone, who want an effortless and memorable trip!

Matt

I've lived in mainland China for over seven years and I was thrilled to join Yongjian and Grace for my first visit to Fujian Province. Together the three of us made stops at the historic district of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Xichan Temple, and the Overseas Chinese Museum. It was a pleasure touring Fuzhou with Yongjian and Grace, who were kind enough to introduce local delicacies and locate vegetarian restaurants to accommodate my dietary restrictions. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with Yongjian and Grace--you will not be disappointed!

Ted

I had a wonderful time traveling with Yongjian and Grace. They created a comprehensive itinerary with unique, hard-to-find experiences while remaining flexible and open throughout the trip. Their approach to travel planning reflects their commitment to cultural authenticity and meaningful engagement

with the communities they visit.

I would definitely go on another trip with them!

Frequently Asked Questions

This group experience is designed for adults, 21 years and older.

If you have minors who would like to join an experience like this, we can arrange a private experience specifically for your family.

Please note that each minor requires at least one adult 21+ years old to accompany them.

Refer to our Private Experiences to learn more.
We ask that you enter in our Interest Form where your family is from and if there is enough interest in visiting that destination, we will consider adding it to the itinerary if possible. The cost of the experience may change.

Alternatively, we can host a Private Experience for you to your family's hometown.
Yes, we generally advise our travelers coming to China to get a Chinese tourist visa in your country of residency. If you have confirmed that your trip to China can be done under the 10 or 30 day visa free policy, then you do not need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa.

Visa-Free Entry Policies

10-Day Visa-Free Transit: Travelers from many countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada) can stay up to 10 days in certain Chinese cities (like Beijing or Shanghai) if transiting to a third country (proof of onward ticket required).

30-Day Visa-Free Access: Citizens of 38 countries (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Negara Brunei Darussalam) can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under mutual agreements.

Note: Policies may change—always verify with this official webpage before travel.

From Roots to Bridges will not accept responsibility if you are refused entry to China because you lack the correct visa documentation.
You should book your departure flight from your home country to Hong Kong International Airport and your return flight from Hong Kong as well.

If you want to take advantage of China's 10 day visa free policy, you can take a train from Chaozhou to Zhuhai, then go to Macau via bus or taxi before going to Hong Kong International Airport.

If you are not taking advantage of China's 10 day visa free policy then you can take a high speed train from Chaozhou back to Hong Kong (takes no longer than 3 hours) to take your return flight from Hong Kong.
Prior to entering China, you should download WeChat (communication and payments) and AliPay (payments and more).

If you need to use Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or Google Apps during the trip, download a VPN.

Refer to our China Apps guide to see which other apps are required and recommended.
Prior to your trip to China, we recommend you to buy a 3HK E-SIM.

If you would prefer to get a physical SIM card, we will bring you to a physical store in China to get a SIM card.
Please refer to these CDC Guidelines for what vaccines to get prior to traveling to China.

For this experience*, our cancellation policy is below. To cancel your spot, you must email us at hello@graceandyj.com. If applicable, you will receive a refund to your original form of payment between 5-14 business days, excluding bank transaction fees.

More than 60 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 20% of total price (deposit)

Between 45 – 60 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 40% of the total price

Between 30 – 45 Days: Cancellation fee of 60% of the total price

Less than 30 days prior to departure: No refund

After trip departure: No refund

*Note: Different experiences may have different deposit amounts and cancellation policies. Please refer to each experience page for the most up to date information.
We understand that medical emergencies may cause you to not be able to attend this trip or cut the trip short.

Therefore, we require our travelers to buy travel insurance before the trip begins to cover unforeseen cancellations.

Our Travel Philosophy

We started traveling around China in 2023 with a desire to reconnect with our ancestral homeland. From then to now, we have traveled to half of China's provinces & regions. In the process, we realized that the beauty, history, and cultural diversity of China goes well beyond the typical path that tourists take (Beijing, Shanghai, etc). We want to show you the real China, from the cities to village in China's undiscovered provinces and regions. Whether or not you can speak Chinese, we want to help you navigate all the complexities that come with traveling around China and foster an environment that allows you to connect on a deeper level with Chinese culture, people, language, and food. Learn more from our YouTube videos!

Helpful Resources

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa
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