Experiencing the Greater Pearl River Delta during early years of development
Taishan has a museum focusing on its position as "Home of Overseas Chinese". Estimates vary of what percentage Chinese in the US could claim Taishan ancestry, but certainly considerable. Many have risen to different levels of prominence with American political, cultural, business and social life. Often "huaqiao" return, not just retracing family roots, but supporting many causes within both urban and surrounding areas. Education throughout the Four Counties has profited considerably from their donations, sometimes in the creation of well equipped private schools but also helping local state establishments with building projects.
Taishan Yi Zhong (No1 Middle School) has long been regarded as an institute of excellence within Guangdong. A beautiful campus with almost classical-styled buildings, it has also benefited from overseas donors, for example with swimming and other facilities. It was both an honor and fun to be regularly invited to meet staff members and students while giving lessons. Asking the youngsters, in English, their ambitions, the reply could be "I want to go to America!" "What? Why?" Because Taishan people have large diasporas both in North America and Australia, and it was a tradition that many people in the 1990's still aspired to. Jokingly I would say, "OK. You go to America and I come to live here!" "You come here?" was the bemused reply. "Yes because I think this city is great!" Following tradition, Linda, her family and others I got to know in Taishan moved to America and have settled into Californian life. However, I still have not forgotten their kindness in introducing me to a city and area I would never had known but for them. Taishan remains in my heart to this day, having played an important role in generating my ongoing passion for China.
Later we would experience the countryside but that is another story.
