Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum — Attraction in Guangzhou City

A bit of a surprise this one, and pleasantly so. Wasn't expecting much but boy did this small museum delight.

After going through the Art museum across the way - we seen on the maps that there was a small museum opposite. Not really well sign posted and we definitely wouldn't have went in only we found it on the map.

There was virtually no one in this museum, a handful of people, so we kind of had the whole place to ourselves.

The outside is well designed, a nice oval shaped building, and upon entering you see a ship shaped staircase, representing all the Chinese who took the boats to travel further afield. Very clever.

As a history buff, I was well chuffed to learn so much about Chinese (and Guangdong) emigration around the world - a lot of which I hadn't known about. The first part was about the Chinese contribution to World War One, something I shamefully knew so little about. Not just on the Asian front but also on the battlefields of Europe as well. With the very helpful information provided - good photos and displays in English I learnt quite a bit.

After that we got to learn about Chinese coolies, the suffering of the Chinese abroad - in terms of discrimination but also back breaking work - railroads, mines, etc. - again with some fantastic informative displays.

Reading about the Flying Tigers in World War Two was another learning experience. Also some experiences of the Chinese in the Vietnam war - fighting with the Vietcong. (from US friend to foe in one short step!)

To end there was more exhibitions on how Chinese emigration positively contributed to the world in terms of food, business, fashion, politics, and, of course, Kung Fu (thanks Bruce!) I also liked the part where they highlighted the contribution the exiles made in help building up the new China - farming and industry techniques garnered abroad but turned into fostering innovation and prosperity in Guangdong and in China itself.

All the exhibits have English explanations and it well laid out in that you have a good timeline of the emigration story right upto the present, starting on the bottom floor and climbing to the top floor.

I loved this museum, perhaps its not as snazzy as other more newer museums and galleries in the city but for anyone who truly loves history and is interested in China then this place is strongly recommended .

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