'Sojourning in Gold Mountain' Exhibition Opens in Hong Kong

The third gallery in the Multifaceted Hong Kong Exhibition Series is now open – Sojourning in Gold Mountain – Hong Kong and the Lives of Overseas Chinese in California.

This exhibition explores the deep historical connections between Hong Kong and overseas Chinese communities in California, tracing stories of migration, identity and resilience.

From the mid-19th century onwards, Hong Kong became a gateway to the wider world and a point of return. Between 1850 and 1939, more than 6.3 million Chinese departed via Hong Kong for destinations abroad, with 7.7 million returning through the city. These trans-Pacific movements shaped not only the lives of those who travelled, but also fuelled Hong Kong’s emergence as a global trading hub.

Featuring over 260 objects, the exhibition highlights the lived experiences of overseas Chinese in California – from the hardships they faced to the strong ties they maintained with their homeland.