Date: July 11, 2025 

The book launch event for Qiaoxing Haiyan and the signing ceremony for a joint teaching and research practice base between Jinan University's School of International Studies and the United Front Work Department of Taishan Municipal Committee were held at Jinan University on the morning of July 3.

The event was jointly organized by the School of International Studies / Academy of Overseas Chinese Studies, Hometown of overseas Chinesethe Institute for Rural Revitalization Research at Jinan University, and the United Front Work Department of the Taishan Municipal Committee. It aimed to release an oral history monograph documenting the historical evolution of the Haiyan Overseas Chinese Farm in Taishan and to foster deeper integration between hometown of overseas Chinese culture and local development.

The new book, Qiaoxing Haiyan: Oral Histories of Returned Overseas Chinese from Haiyan Overseas Chinese Farm in Taishan, Guangdong, was compiled with support from united front work departments by a Jinan University academic team over two years. This 350,000-word work, published by Jiangsu People's Publishing House, features oral histories from over 40 returned overseas Chinese individuals and families, chronicling the journey of returned overseas Chinese from 13 countries who transformed the Haiyan Overseas Chinese Farm from coastal salt marshes into fertile land and a modern community. The book includes a preface by Lu Wenduan, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.

In his address, Professor Ju Hailong, Dean of the School of International Studies / Academy of Overseas Chinese Studies, highlighted Jinan University's role as the premier institution for overseas Chinese education. He stated that the university has always been committed to its mission of promoting education and serving overseas Chinese communities. Dean Ju noted that the publication represents a significant achievement in preserving the legacy of overseas Chinese, and the establishment of the practice base will enhance the school's ability to serve national needs through deeper engagement with areas of hometown of overseas Chinese.

Li Baiyun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Taishan Municipal Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department, described the book as a valuable record of the historical changes at Haiyan Overseas Chinese Farm, embodying the profound sentiments of overseas Chinese. She emphasized that Taishan, a key node on the ancient Maritime Silk Road and a major hometown for overseas Chinese, is actively integrating into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She expressed confidence that the collaboration would further strengthen the hometown of overseas Chinese + school of overseas Chinese linkage model.

Following the speeches, Professor Zhu Zhenghui, Party Secretary of the School of International Studies, and Li Baiyun jointly signed the agreement to establish the joint teaching and research practice base. Leveraging Taishan's rich hometown of overseas Chinese resources and Jinan University's academic strengths, the base will facilitate cooperation in overseas Chinese history research, cultural dissemination, talent cultivation, and rural revitalization, aiming to become a model for university-local collaboration. An unveiling ceremony for the base was subsequently held with representatives from both sides.

During the panel discussion, returned overseas Chinese representatives Guan Fuqian, Cao Guoxiu, and Fang Guangming shared personal stories of change at the farm and their families' development, expressing strong patriotic sentiments and dedication to their hometown. Experts, including representatives from cultural tourism and museum sectors, as well as scholars, discussed the contemporary value and academic significance of oral history research on returned overseas Chinese and hometown of overseas Chinese spirit from perspectives such as cultural tourism development, and historical research.

The event was co-organized by the Taishan Nanyang Returned Overseas Chinese Culture Museum and the Hong Kong Taishan Chen Family Association, with over thirty attendees, including representatives from Taishan and faculty and students from Jinan University.