Treasures of Shenzhen's Earliest Expats Return Home

By Adam Robbins, January 3, 2018

Beautifully illustrated texts, heirlooms and other treasures are now on display in Longhua District through February 4 as part of the 2017 Shenzhen-Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture.

Migrations—Home and Elsewhere: Rediscovering Hakka History and Chinese-Western Cultural Exchange expands our understanding of the region’s international history, marked by frequent migration of peoples from around the world. Long before Shenzhen was transformed into a world-class manufacturing and design center, it turns out, the area welcomed guests from across the globe.

Some of Shenzhen’s earliest expats were part of the Basel Mission, a nondenominational Christian project to bring literacy (and the Bible) to the girls of China, Africa, and beyond. After arriving in 1847, they set about creating illustrated books for use in the Longheu Girls’ School they built with the help of the local Hakka community.

Nearly 200 missionaries travelled to Guangdong’s 'Hakkaland' to preach, set up schools and hospitals and live among local residents during some of China’s most volatile times. In 1949, the last of the missionaries departed China, taking with them the children born during the years of the mission and artifacts of their work.

The 'Chinese children' of these Swiss and German missionaries contributed their family treasures, currently on display in the renovated Longheu Girls’ School, to the Biennale project. Alongside the 'Sound of a Hundred Years' installation, 'Stories of Rice' embroidery and 'Nomads at Home' tent structures, the exhibit brings much needed attention to the history and culture of the region. Video documentaries about the elderly 'Chinese children' are especially moving, depicting the life-changing impact of living among China’s peoples and how the effects linger long after one leaves.

The meticulous, beautiful restoration of the Longheu Girls’ School – now known as Longheu P+V Gallery – is a worth a visit in its own right. With the temporary addition of these heirloom artifacts, it’s the perfect time to trek into Longhua District to see these treasures from the past.

Tours, workshops and theater presentations are available every weekend through Feb 4. Follow Handshake 302 (WeChat ID 'handshake302') for a schedule of events.

Dec 23-Feb 4, 10am; free entry. Longheu P+V Gallery. See event listing.