Chang Font Size
 
 
 
 

“Multifaceted Hong Kong” Exhibition Series: Sojourning in Gold Mountain – Hong Kong and the Lives of Overseas Chinese in California

 

From 27.11.2024 

Exhibition Galleries, 2/F, Hong Kong Museum of History

Free Admission

Presented by
Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Organised by
Hong Kong Museum of History

Starting from the mid-19th century, Hong Kong served as the main port of departure and return for Chinese emigrants and entrepôt for their trading activities. From sailing ships to the steamships and the Presidential Liners of the 20th century, Hong Kong evolved into a hub linking people, goods and cultural networks across the Pacific Ocean while providing all sorts of intermediary services. Between 1850 and 1939, more than 6.3 million Chinese emigrated through Hong Kong to foreign destinations, and 7.7 million Chinese returned via Hong Kong. A century of trans-Pacific activity created abundant business opportunities for companies in various industries in Hong Kong and fuelled the city's development into an international business port. The exhibition features over 260 exhibits that introduce the history of Chinese emigration to California to make a living since the mid-19th century, showcasing the challenges and difficulties faced by overseas Chinese, in tandem with their affection towards the motherland, from which the role of Hong Kong as an “in-between place” can be fully demonstrated.
 

Couplets for the inauguration of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association, Hanford
1886

Courtesy of the China Alley Preservation Society, Hanford

 

Golden dragon, made by Kam Yuk Lau, Hong Kong
1931

Courtesy of the Chinese community in Marysville

 

Chew Kee Grocery Store reconstructed in the exhibition

 

The Kwan Tai Temple in Hanford reconstructed in the exhibition

 

Compilation of the Annual Report of Bone Repatriation of Chong How Tong in San Francisco and the Annual Report of Bone Repatriation of Kai Shin Tong in Hong Kong
1864 to 1865

Courtesy of the Amador County Archives

 

 

Privacy Policy / Important Note    Last Updated:

© All rights reserved by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department