On September 16, in Hangzhou, China, a touching initiative unfolded as heartfelt letters accompanied mooncakes, reaching out to overseas Chinese in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Amidst this celebration, images of iconic locations such as the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon at West Lake, the moonlit sea at Putuo, the viewpoint from Lang Bridge in Taishun, and the luminous moon over Qingtian’s thousand ravines are shared with expatriates. For the Chinese diaspora, regardless of their global locations, the yearning for family reunions runs deep within their hearts.
This year, the Zhejiang Provincial Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Zhejiang Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese launched their ongoing initiative, “Love from Zhejiang, Together at This Time.” They successfully distributed over 15,000 Mid-Autumn care packages to overseas Chinese across 24 cities in 19 countries, a heartfelt effort that bridges the gap between home and abroad.
Wang Xiaowei, president of the United Chinese Associations of Portugal, expressed profound gratitude upon receiving his care package. “Even though we are far away, our motherland and hometown do not forget us. During important festivals like the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, we receive traditional treats such as rice cakes, mooncakes, and zongzi, allowing us to genuinely feel the warmth of our homeland and familial love.”
In Portugal, various overseas Chinese community organizations not only shared this affection with their members but also introduced mooncakes to local businesses, thereby fostering cultural exchange and showcasing the richness of Chinese traditions globally. Despite the physical separation from family, Chinese expatriates in these communities find ways to celebrate these cherished traditions with local friends.
Carles, the Business Director of the Port of Barcelona, who has engaged in various Mid-Autumn and Dragon Boat Festival events organized by local Chinese groups, highlighted how the profound depth and unique charm of Chinese culture are gradually becoming integral to Barcelona’s identity. The port aims to bolster its role as a trade bridge while also cultivating cultural exchanges between China and Spain.
“The ‘Love from Zhejiang’ series has evolved into a cultural brand within the overseas Chinese community, embodying the deep care and concern of the motherland for its people abroad while fostering connections among like-minded individuals,” stated Hu Aimin, Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Barcelona. He emphasized that diverse cultural showcases and exchanges enable international friends to deeply appreciate the richness of Chinese culture, further enhancing mutual understanding between China and the West.
As overseas Chinese reconnect with their roots, it’s crucial to pass down their ties to the homeland through generations. In Denmark, local expatriate groups celebrated by sharing mooncakes and good wishes with students from the Danish Chinese Association’s Chinese school, nurturing patriotism and love for their hometown among the younger generation.
Zhang Fan, a consular officer at the Chinese Embassy in Denmark, conducted an engaging lesson on Tang poetry for the children, seamlessly connecting classic verses with modern Chinese, unveiling the unique allure of Chinese culture. He encouraged the students to keep pursuing their Chinese studies and to carry forward their outstanding heritage.
“Longing transcends mountains and seas, and the love for our hometowns is profound. The care from Zhejiang for its overseas compatriots beautifully complements the affection from the expatriate Zhejiang community back to their roots,” participants read aloud, sharing a heartfelt “mid-autumn family letter” that journeyed across oceans, resonating with a shared sense of home despite the distances.
Lian Xiaomin, Vice President of the China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, conveyed this sentiment of familial care to Poland, noting that even though expatriates might be far from home, their hearts remain with their hometown. He encouraged them to contribute to the realization of national reunification, revitalization, and the strengthening of Sino-Polish relations, aspiring for greater achievements in their respective fields.
