Trace the footsteps of overseas Teochews with your fellow Gaginang. Designed for the Teochew Diaspora and anyone who is interested in Teochew culture and history.

The recent film Dear You tells the poignant story of a Teochew family's journey to Southeast Asia. Despite being a low-budget production, it was an unexpected success and resonated with many Teochews and others across the Chinese diaspora.

Yet the story portrayed in the film echoes that of countless families in the diaspora. Beginning in the 18th century, Teochews began 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 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.

During the trip, we also stop by locations where Dear You was filmed. In each of the places we visit, we will organize opportunities where you will interact with locals people and small businesses, such as language exchange dinners and cultural workshops.

This journey connects you with the profound landscapes and flavors your ancestors once savored, 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!

Arrival in Guangzhou via Hong Kong International Airport or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

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. 

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 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 (weather permitting), we will take a trip 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!

• 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 the 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.

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 (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. Learn about the

• 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.