On October 21, the 30th “Emotional Connection to the Hakka Mother River” event, part of the Hakka Culture Festival, took place in Changting County, Longyan City, Fujian Province. More than 9,000 participants from 45 Hakka associations worldwide gathered to celebrate their deep-seated reverence for Hakka culture, reconnecting with their roots and embracing the warmth of their cultural heritage.
Initiated in 1995 by Mr. Yao Meiliang, Chairman of Nanyuan Yongfang Group, and his brother Yao Senliang, the “Emotional Connection to the Hakka Mother River” event has attracted over 600,000 Hakka descendants from more than 40 countries and regions, returning to the Hakka Mother River to seek their ancestry, engage in tourism, and explore investment opportunities.
Changting serves as a significant birthplace and stronghold for the Hakka people. It is recognized as a national ecological protection area for Hakka culture in western Fujian and is also a city with a rich historical and revolutionary background, along with its ecological significance. The intersection of Hakka culture with history, revolutionary, and ecological themes lends it a vibrant richness and depth.
In his keynote address, Lai Jinyi, Secretary of the Changting County Committee, emphasized, “For centuries, the Ting River has nurtured generations of exceptional Hakka sons and daughters, giving rise to a profound, vibrant, and illustrious Hakka civilization.” He affirmed a commitment to further explore, organize, and enhance the spiritual core and contemporary significance of Hakka culture, aiming to keep this unique aspect of Chinese traditional culture alive and thriving.
Zhuokefeng, Vice President of the Hakka Association of Million Town, Malaysia, remarked on his first experience attending this event, stating, “I was very pleasantly surprised. I hope more of my fellow Hakka from Malaysia can come and visit Changting.”
During the opening ceremony, a signing event was held to establish the Cross-Strait Hakka Culture Research and Exchange Innovation Alliance. This alliance aims to explore new avenues for integrated development across the strait and innovate cultural exchanges, promoting heartfelt connections among compatriots from both sides and fostering the development of Hakka culture.
A representative from the West Fujian Hakka Friendship Association shared that the “Emotional Connection to the Hakka Mother River” event has generated positive responses both at home and abroad, establishing itself as a regular large-scale event for Hakka heritage exploration. It acts as a bridge linking Hakka communities worldwide, strengthening the connection and cultural identity among overseas Hakka descendants with the Chinese nation and its rich traditional culture.
