Visiting Tianmen, Hubei, the inland hometown of overseas Chinese- -Overseas Chinese- and -hometown- go in both directions

Hubei Tianmen: A Dual Journey of Overseas Chinese and Their Hometown

By Ma Furong

Hubei Tianmen stands out as the largest inland hometown for overseas Chinese in China, with around 280,000 expatriates residing across more than 40 countries and regions on five continents. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore Tianmen and witnessed how the local government shows great care for overseas Chinese and how expatriates are deeply connected to their roots, creating a harmonious relationship that bridges the “overseas” and the “hometown.”

Caring for Overseas Chinese

So, how did Tianmen, a city not located on the coast or a border, become China’s largest inland hometown for overseas Chinese? A representative from the Tianmen Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese explained that the city is situated in the Jianghan Plain, characterized by hilly terrain to the northwest and low-lying lakeside areas to the southeast. Historically, residents have faced threats of flooding, which has prompted many to seek opportunities abroad.

The story of Tianmen’s overseas Chinese unfolds in three phases: early migrations northward, a shift to Europe, and more recent movements towards Southeast Asia and beyond. A significant number of expatriates call countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Russia, the United States, and France their home.

Currently, the city is home to approximately 82,000 returnees, their families, and compatriots from Hong Kong and Macau. The local government actively supports overseas Chinese by creating five community centers, known as “Homes for Overseas Chinese,” designed to provide assistance and care.

Stepping into the Yan Jiao Community’s “Home for Overseas Chinese,” I found well-equipped spaces for reading, art, and community activities. Yu Xinguo, the community’s Party Secretary, shared that these centers offer consultations on policies, visa processing, household registration, notarization, reunion services, job placements, school admissions, and healthcare. Additionally, they host cultural events such as art salons, tea gatherings, and talent shows.

Yi Yue’e, a 68-year-old family member of an overseas Chinese, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support. “My son lives in Thailand and isn’t always around. When I face difficulties, I just reach out to the community, and they respond promptly.” She recounted how the community organized donations when her husband was hospitalized last year due to a serious illness.

This year alone, Tianmen has successfully raised substantial funds to assist expatriates and their families in need. Moreover, through information sessions and outreach services, the city is actively educating citizens on their rights, laying a solid legal foundation for the protection of overseas Chinese and their families.

Building Industries Through Connections

In April of this year, a delegation from Tianmen visited Malaysia and Thailand, where local overseas Chinese facilitated connections that resulted in the establishment of a cross-border e-commerce warehouse for clothing in Bangkok—a vital step for Tianmen’s apparel industry to expand internationally.

Overseas Chinese bring valuable resources, including expertise and connections, significantly enhancing Tianmen’s global outreach. In recent years, the city has leveraged opportunities like the “Chinese Entrepreneurs Conference,” “Overseas Chinese Business Missions,” and international visits to attract investments aligned with key industrial development directions.

Currently, Tianmen is home to 14 registered overseas Chinese enterprises. The government pays special attention to these ventures, providing support in project approval, employment, financing, and creating a regular interaction mechanism between the businesses and institutions like banks and tax offices, fostering their growth.

More than a decade ago, Zhang Faming, whose roots are in Tianmen, left a well-paid job in the U.S. to return home and establish a production base for chemical and high-end pharmaceuticals. Today, his company boasts a multifunctional production line with an annual capacity of 30 tons, and a second phase project is underway, equipped with advanced technology. Zhang noted that the government’s support in financing, investments, electricity, and talent acquisition played a crucial role in rapidly advancing the second phase.

As Tianmen continues to promote its development as a new-era overseas Chinese hometown, it aims to strengthen grassroots Chinese community organizations and enhance the environment of local towns and villages. The city is focused on industries such as textiles and electronics, furthering economic growth through overseas investment and talent attraction.