Visiting Gulao for the first time, Juliana Loh and her family rediscovered their heritage in the birthplace of their ancestors, forging new bonds with relatives and embracing traditions from generations past.
- Discovery of ancestral home in Gulao sparked by family research
- Extended relatives reunited after decades apart
- Cultural traditions and heritage celebrated through food and stories
What happened
Juliana Loh traveled with her family to Tinbinfong village in Gulao, a historic water town in Heshan, Guangdong, to visit their ancestral home for the first time. The trip was prompted by her brother's research, which pieced together family history and helped reconnect with relatives they had never met. Over several days, the family reunited with a large extended clan and immersed themselves in the local way of life.
During their stay, they shared traditional meals prepared using local ingredients, learned cooking techniques from distant cousins, and experienced heartfelt moments as older family members revisited the home after decades. This journey illuminated their family’s roots and offered a profound connection to their lineage.
Why it feels good
The journey to Gulao brought emotional closure and joy as multiple generations bridged a gap of many years and miles. Witnessing grown adults warmly calling a young member of the family 'uncle' reflected deep bonds and the rich complexity of familial ties that transcend geography and time. It reaffirmed the value of preserving heritage and understanding personal identity through one’s ancestors.
For Juliana’s father and his sisters, finally seeing their family’s origins was a moving experience that connected them to stories passed down from their late grandmother. It highlighted how heritage shapes more than history — it nurtures belonging and pride, nourishing present and future generations.
What to enjoy or watch next
Exploring Gulao itself offers a captivating cultural journey with its waterways, historic architecture, and renowned connections to Wing Chun martial arts and herbal teas. Visitors can enjoy local fresh foods, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality that embody the spirit of family and community.
For those inspired by this story, delving into one’s own family history or visiting ancestral homes — where possible — can open new doors to understanding identity and legacy. Documentaries or travel series focused on heritage tours and diaspora stories also beautifully capture these meaningful reconnections.