Trace the footsteps of overseas Teochews (Teo-Swa or Chaoshanese) with your fellow Gaginang. Designed for overseas Chinese and those interested in Southern Chinese culture and history.
Starting in the 18th century, Teochews started immigrating to Southeast Asia and the Americas, creating a unique blend of cultures that we hope to help you understand more deeply on this journey. Begin your journey in vibrant Guangzhou before following the historic path of the Teochew diaspora to its source. Immerse yourself in the heartland of Chaoshan culture, from the ancestral port of Shantou to the ancient streets of Chaozhou and the serene tea peaks of the Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain , home to the famed Dancong oolong tea. This journey connects you with the profound landscapes and flavors your ancestors knew, culminating in a deeply personal exploration of your family's village in Chaoshan -- ex: Puning, Jieyang, Shantou (Swatow), etc.
Don't see a departure date that works for you? Email us at hello@fromrootstobridges.com and we will set up a custom departure date for you!
March 7, 2026 to March 16, 2026 (10 days)
Grace & Yongjian will accompany you on entire experience (except to/from airport and during free time).
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included on most days. On arrival day, only dinner is included and on departure day, only breakfast is included.
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.
To remember your trip, you will receive a From Roots to Bridges themed goodie bag!
REQUIRED for every traveler
Each traveler is responsible for determining if they need the tourist visa
Arrival in Guangzhou. 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. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner of classic Teochew dishes.
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.
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.
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.
Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of Cantonese craftsmanship at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠). This magnificent complex is renowned for its breathtaking wood, stone, and brick carvings.
Stroll through the adjacent Shanxiangjiu Pedestrian Street 上下九步行街, a modern area infused with traditional Lingnan architectural element。
Explore Yuexiu Park, the city's largest green space. Here, you can see a preserved section of Guangzhou’s ancient city wall, visit the Five Rams statue (the city's emblem), the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall and enjoy the tranquil lakes and gardens.
Optional Cultural Experience: For those interested, we will explore Xiaobei, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse African and Middle Eastern communities. This is a chance to take a break from Cantonese cuisine and sample authentic other regional and international dishes, such as Xinjiang-style lagman noodles, offering a glimpse into Guangzhou's dynamic, multicultural spaces.
From Guangzhou, we will take a high speed train to Shantou, the first destination in the Chaoshan region.
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, escape to a tropical paradise at Nan’ao Island (南澳島). 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!
Embark on a root-seeking journey through the ancestral villages around Shantou, with the route tailored to your family's ancestry, whether that leads to Puning, Jieyang, Shantou, 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 snacks—from silky rice rolls to freshly pounded beef balls.
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 evening, gather for a celebratory feast, indulging in the famed Chaoshan Beef Hotpot or a steaming bowl of hand-pulled beef rice noodles.
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.
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 (Phoenix) 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 and then take a high speed train back to Guangzhou.
Not returning to Guangzhou? Please inform us in advance.
