Chinese migrants to South America - 1800s - early 1900s

[Gowgee]

I hear quite a few Chinese from the Gwandong area migrated either permanently or semi-permanently to South America to engage in farming in the 1800s to early 1900s. What parts of South America did they move to, and are there many migrants' families still there today?

[mawali]

Hakka (usually) are generally spread out in various communities in South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

South America: Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia, Guyanas (British, Dutch) and French)
Central America: Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Caribbean: Cuba, Trinidad, Dominican Republic (mainly)

Many are still there today. There is some movement to USA and Canada of the younger offspring (age range 21-37) but many of the older generation were born there, speak the local language and for all practical purposes, that is their homeland!

[Gowgee]

Hi mawali, and thanks for your insight. It seems like Chinese migrants spread to somewhat different parts of south america to Korean and Japanese migrants. The cultural fusion between Chinese and South American sides must be great!

[mawali]

In some cases, yes. There are quite a few Japanese in Brazil (BJJ origin is from a Japanese who moved there), with lesser number in Peru and Bolivia.