“Overseas Chinese are the mother of the revolution.” These words by Sun Yat-sen highlight the deep connection between Guangzhou and its overseas Chinese community. Today we explore Guangzhou’s Huam僑 New Village. It is a testament to this bond.
The story of Huam僑 New Village starts after the end of World War II. Guangzhou began a large-scale urban reconstruction. Overseas Chinese eagerly participated. In 1946 Guangzhou established the “Urban Planning Commission”. It planned the construction of a new village for overseas Chinese investors. This was south of Baizi Road.
In 1948 the Urban Planning Commission approved the “Baizi Road Huam僑 New Village Plan”. The Guangzhou Municipal Engineering Bureau provided a “Huam僑 New Village Land Section Map.” But due to changing times the plan was not fully implemented.
Now, standing in front of Huam僑 New Village imagine its beginnings. In 1954 the Guangzhou government decided to build Huam僑 New Village. The goal was to attract overseas Chinese investment. After 11 years of construction in 1965 Huam僑 New Village had 177 independent courtyard houses and 291 apartments. It was the largest overseas Chinese residential area in China’s major cities after the establishment of the new China.
Huam僑 New Village played an important role in attracting overseas talent. The first residents came from Southeast Asia America South America and Europe. There were also people from Hong Kong and Macao. They included successful overseas Chinese leaders social figures cultural celebrities businessmen and industrialists. The renowned Cantonese opera master Hong Xian Nu also lived in Huam僑 New Village after returning to China.
From 1957 until her later years Hong Xian Nu spent half a century here. In the Huam僑 New Village Memorial Hall photos show her practicing. She stands before a mirror refining her movements. This shows her dedication to her craft.
He Xiangning head of the Central Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission visited the new village. She was surrounded by returning overseas Chinese. Her face showed concern and care. She praised Huam僑 New Village calling it “A Happy Home for Returned Overseas Chinese and Their Families.”
From February to March purple Bauhinia blossoms attracted butterflies. In April and May flame trees mirrored the sky. June and July brought fragrant white orchids. Autumn saw green camphor trees lit by bright lights. Winding paths offered tranquility. This was home to generations of returning overseas Chinese.
In 2021 Huam僑 New Village underwent a micro-renovation. Roads steps and exterior walls were renovated. An intelligent management platform was built. A service program was developed to realize smart parking and unmanned aerial vehicle security patrols.
Today as we stand here at Huam僑 New Village remember its history. It is a symbol of home for overseas Chinese. A place where they could familiarize themselves with life in China and integrate into the local community. Overseas Chinese brought back overseas culture. They created a diverse culture in Huam僑 New Village.
“Though wearing Western clothes my heart is still Chinese.” This sentiment captures the spirit of Huam僑 New Village. It is a place where overseas Chinese identity is celebrated. The students of Huam僑 Primary School sing “My Chinese Heart”. This song expresses their love for their ancestral land. Graduates never forget their homeland whether they stay in China or go abroad. They use their voices and actions to express their loyalty. It makes people proud of the cohesion and centripetal force of the Chinese nation.