First national museum telling history of overseas Chinese

The photo taken on December 5, 2014 shows the route map of the overland Silk Road. Photo taken on December 5, 2014. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

As the most vivid embodiment of Chinese culture, overseas Chinese have not only spread the splendid Chinese culture to the whole world but also widened horizons of people at home, boosted cultural exchanges and enriched world civilizations.

Overseas Chinese are known for their intelligence and hardworking spirit. Most of them have to start from scratch to earn their living abroad. They have to handle collisions with local people and during their assimilation into local communities. Hard as their lives are, they have made irreplaceable contributions to the local economic, social and cultural developments.

Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, we have witnessed a number of returned patriotic overseas Chinese who later engaged in the building of socialism. At present, overseas Chinese around the world care a lot about the development of China and are working jointly to realize the Chinese dream.

On the wall of the museum entrance hall is engraved a huge basso-relieve. It's called Roots, said a staff member. It not only symbolizes the spirit of old generations of overseas Chinese reverting to their homelands after death, but also stands for the courage and determination of young overseas Chinese to take root in foreign lands.

However, this museum still leaves much to be desired. It's facing problems such as staff shortage and lacking interactions with visitors.

With the support of governments at all levels and the generous donations from overseas Chinese, the museum is now under a trial operation. It will be officially opened to the public in spring next year.