Ideal Months: Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
Duration: 9 days
Tracing the Han River:
A Teochew Homecoming
Trace the footsteps of your ancestors with your fellow Gaginang. Designed for the Teochew diaspora and anyone interested in Teochew culture and history. The film Dear You tells the poignant story of a Teochew family's journey to Southeast Asia. Beginning in the 18th century, Teochews started immigrating to Southeast Asia and beyond, creating a blend of cultures that we hope to help you understand more deeply on this journey.
Start in Guangzhou before following the path of the Teochew diaspora to its source. Immerse yourself in Chaoshan culture, from the ancestral port of Shantou to the ancient streets of Chaozhou and the serene peaks of Fenghuang Mountain. During the trip, we visit locations where Dear You was filmed. You will have meaningful opportunities to interact with locals over language exchanges and cultural workshops. This journey connects you with the landscapes, flavors, and memories of your ancestors.
Return to the land your ancestors left behind.
In community. With intention.
Who This Experience Is For
Curious Overseas
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 tin miners, dock workers, 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.
Itinerary
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Arrival in Guangzhou via Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport or Hong Kong International Airport.
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Get oriented on Day 1. Check into hotel. We will assist you in getting your China SIM cards and setting up any apps needed for the trip.
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In the evening, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner of classic Teochew dishes.
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Start the day with a Dim Sum feast in the historic Liwan District. After breakfast, we will stroll through Liwan (Lychee Bay) Park and observe local life, architecture, and culture in the city's historic heart. We will visit Liwan Museum to learn more about one of the most historical business districts of old Guangzhou.
Continue our way to Yong Qing Fang, one of Guangzhou's most historic neighborhoods and home to Bruce Lee’s ancestral home.
Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of Cantonese craftsmanship at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. This magnificent complex is renowned for its breathtaking wood, stone, and brick carvings.
In the afternoon, we will visit the enchanting Shamian Island, where colonial architecture tells tales of the past of old Guangzhou as a concession port of the late 19th century.
Time permitting, we will continue our way to Beijing Road, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, and Dafo Temple.
As foodies, we will take you to savor everything from the renowned dim sum delicacies to local cheung fun that showcase culinary arts passed from generation to generation.
From Guangzhou, we will take a high speed train to Shantou, the first destination in Chaoshan. Between 1864 and 1911 alone, nearly 3 million Teochew immigrants migrated from Chaoshan region (Chaozhou, Shantou and Jieyang) to Southeast Asia.
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 also go to a variety of museums that will teach you about Chaoshan culture, history, heritage, and the rich history of overseas Teochews.
On day 2 in Shantou (weather permitting), we will take a trip to a tropical paradise at Nan’ao Island. Visit the crescent shaped, soft sandy shore beach. For those less excited about beaches, Nan’ao Island also has lush forests for hiking and biking trails around the island as well. Enjoy a fresh seafood feast on the island!
We will continue exploring Teochew heritage trip through the villages near Jieyang. We will explore locations where the movie "Dear You" was filmed, including Datong Street of Jieyang Ancient Town and the famous stone bridge where Nanzhi fell in love with Musheng.
Embark on a root-seeking journey through ancestral villages around Shantou, with the route tailored to your family's ancestry, whether that leads to Puning, Jieyang, etc.
NOTE: To enable our team to plan this day for you, please provide all available family information (names of family members, birth certificates, places of family origin, etc.) at least one month in advance. We view this as a collaborative quest; our commitment is to deliver a profoundly connective experience, offering a window into the daily lives of your ancestors.
Step into the living heart of Teochew culture in Chaozhou Ancient City. Sample an array of iconic dishes, from satay rice noodles topped with freshly pounded beef balls to "lion-head" braised goose over rice.
In the morning after breakfast, we will walk on the Ancient City Walls, admire the majestic Guangji Gate Tower before embarking on a symbolic crossing of the Guangji Bridge, one of China's Four Ancient Bridges. For centuries, this very bridge carried Teochew ancestors as they began their journeys to Southeast Asia.
In the afternoon after lunch, you will choose (as a group) which activity you'd like to participate in. These are all led by Chaoshan locals!
Chaoshan Kueh (Kuih) Making Class
Chaoshan Bamboo Lantern Making Class
Chaoshan Teapot Making Class
In the evening, gather for a celebratory feast, indulging in the famed Chaoshan Beef Hotpot, complete with rice noodles.
On Day 2, enjoy a classic lunch of Teochew satay rice noodles, topped with freshly sliced Chaoshan beef (veggie options available).
Start with a peaceful visit to Kaiyuan Temple, a spiritual sanctuary for over 1,200 years. Here, generations of Teochew families have prayed for prosperity and safe journeys before going abroad to Southeast Asia. Observe the unique fusion of Buddhist figures with Teochew architectural artistry in the eaves and carvings.
In the afternoon, we will visit some ancestral villages nearby Chaozhou. Prior to the trip, provide us with the names of your village(s) if you want to pay a visit to your family's ancestral village.
Enjoy a Chaoshan feast for dinner before retiring early for the evening.
To conclude your Teochew Homecoming, we will take a road trip to lush tea plantations in the Fenghuang Mountains, the revered birthplace of Dancong Tea.
Tour the Fenghuang Dancong Tea Museum and tea plantations to learn about how tea is cultivated and processed. Savor in tea tastings and serene nature walks passing through stunning Teochew and indigenous She villages.
After brunch in Fenghuang, return to Chaozhou.
Take a high speed train from Chaozhou back to Guangzhou.
Please inform us in advance of your flight times.
Highlights
Trace Your Family's Ancestral Village
We'll drive to historic Teochew villages to track down your family's ancestral village. We will also visit to filming scenes from the movie "Dear You".
Learn the Art of Gong Fu Tea
Visit a tea plantation and learn how tea is cultivated before tasting the famous Phoenix Mountain Dancong oolong tea.
Teochew Kuih Making Workshop
Discover the art of crafting kuih (粿), a beloved traditional Teochew snack.
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Grace & Yongjian will accompany you on entire experience (except to/from airport and during free time). Together, we are fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.
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Whenever necessary, we will have local guides and drivers accompanying us as well.
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For all our experiences, we strive to pick accommodations that are clean and authentic.
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Whenever possible, we choose to support small, local guesthouses run by people from the community.
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Costs differ between single and double occupancy, please review the costs below
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be covered for the entire trip, unless stated otherwise in the itinerary.
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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.
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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.
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It's also an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and ask us any questions!
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For any sites mentioned in the itinerary that require an entrance ticket, the cost of the ticket for each traveler will be covered.
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Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
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All overland transportation, including high speed trains, buses, and rideshares.
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Metro rides within cities are not covered.
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Transportation during free time is not covered.
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Any transportation to Hong Kong (flight or train) before the trip begins is not covered and any transportation after Day 10 is not covered.
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To remember your trip, you will receive a From Roots to Bridges themed goodie bag!
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What Is Included
What Is Not Included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (REQUIRED for every traveler)
- Chinese Tourist Visa (if required)
- Meals Not Included in the Itinerary
- 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
I'm Interested! What's Next?
Reserve Your Spot
Secure your spot by submitting a deposit on WeTravel. The deposit counts towards your total payment. If you cancel your spot, we are unable to refund your deposit. If the trip doesn't run due to a lack of travelers, you will receive your deposit back.
Submit Full Payment
Full payment will be requested 60 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 90 days of your departure, you will be asked to make the full payment immediately. Payments are made on WeTravel.
Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
30 - 60 days prior to departure, we will host a virtual pre-departure orientation where you will view the full detailed itinerary, healthy and safety measures, what to pack, what apps to download, and any other details that will help you feel prepared for the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you would like to join this experience but with a shorter length, email us at hello@fromrootstobridges.com and we will consider that for a future iteration of this experience if there are enough interested travelers to fill a group.
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Otherwise, if you decide to join an experience late or leave early, whether planned or unplanned, you will still be responsible for the full cost of the experience.
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To avoid unexpected expenses from early departures, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip interruption coverage
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This group experience is designed for adults, 18 years and older.
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If you have minors who would like to join an experience like this, we can arrange a private experience specifically for your family.
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Please note that each minor requires at least one adult 21+ years old to accompany them.
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Certainly! Please book a call with us and share details regarding where your family is from so we can plan to add your family's ancestral hometown to the itinerary.
Absolutely! While our journeys are designed for the overseas Chinese diaspora reconnecting with their heritage, we warmly welcome travelers with other meaningful ties to the region—whether through family, partners, friendships, or a deep interest in its culture, history, or language.
We simply ask that you join with respect for the diasporic voices at the heart of these experiences. Your curiosity and perspective can enrich the group’s dynamic, as long as you listen actively and engage thoughtfully.
Have a specific connection or reason for joining? We’d love to hear about it!
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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.
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Visa-Free Entry Policies
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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).
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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.
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Note: Policies may change—always verify with this official webpage before travel.
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From Roots to Bridges will not accept responsibility if you are refused entry to China because you lack the correct visa documentation.
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By Air: Hong Kong International Airport or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Both airports have many international flights arriving daily.
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By High-Speed Train: If you choose to fly into Hong Kong International Airport, take a taxi, Didi, Uber, or Airport Express train to the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Then, you will board a 1-hour train that goes directly to Guangzhou South Station.
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By High-Speed Train: Guangzhou is served by four high-speed rail stations (South, East, North, and Main Station) with daily trains from Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other cities.
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Prior to entering China, you should download WeChat (communication and payments) and AliPay (payments and more).
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If you need to use Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or Google Apps during the trip, download a VPN.
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Refer to our China Apps guide to see which other apps are required and recommended.
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Prior to your trip to China, we recommend you to buy a 3HK E-SIM.
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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.
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Please refer to these CDC Guidelines for what vaccines to get prior to traveling to China.
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Please refer to our Cancellation Policy Page
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We understand that medical emergencies may cause you to not be able to attend this trip or cut the trip short.
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Therefore, we require our travelers to buy travel insurance with trip cancellation before the trip begins to cover unforeseen cancellations.
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What Our Travelers Say
Beverly 🇺🇸🇨🇳
Grace and Yongjian went above and beyond in this Homecoming Guangdong trip. From the initial calls where they got to know my background and goals for the trip, to creating a schedule that explored many places in the entire province. They were able to find my family's ancestral temple and people associated to my family that I did not know, incredibly and unexpectedly. From tourist sites to off the tourist path, we saw the range of offerings. I loved meeting local people so I can continue to practice Chinese and learn about everyday Chinese life. They are also amazing company to be around on this extensive trip. Thank you both for a life changing trip through China for the first time.
Aline 🇫🇷
Although I had already spent a month traveling in China before joining Grace and Yongjian, the road trip I took with them to Kaiping and Jiangmen was unforgettable. Traveling in China without speaking Mandarin can be challenging and exhausting. But with Grace and Yongjian, everything went smoothly as we explored remote villages, interacted with locals, and enjoyed authentic Cantonese dishes. Their deep knowledge of Chinese history and culture made the experience enriching, relaxing, and well-organized, yet flexible. Above all, Grace and Yongjian are incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. Their energy and love for sharing their culture made the whole experience so special.
Max & Nikki 🇩🇪
We had traveled to China independently before. This time, we wanted to delve deeper and get to know aspects of the country that remained closed to us as solo travelers without a Chinese driver's license and language skills. Grace and Yongjian organized a road trip to the less touristy province of Guizhou. They took us to remote villages, hidden viewpoints and neighborhood restaurants that we would never have reached on our own. The trip was characterized by their enthusiasm for the country, its people and food, as well as the very personal stories and experiences they shared. It was like a road trip with friends; except we didn't have to take care of anything ourselves.
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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 (Aug '24) 🇺🇸
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!
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
[for Americans & Canadians]
The first step to traveling to China is applying for a Chinese visa. We know that paperwork can be daunting and want to streamline the process for you in our step-by-step guide!
Our Recommended
Travel Packing List
Heading on a domestic or international trip soon? We have a packing list that you can use to make sure you have packed every essential for your next trip!
From Roots to Bridges
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From Roots
to Bridges