The background of "Across Three Centuries: A Photographic Exhibition on Chinese Immigration in Yucatán, Mexico"
The opening ceremony of "Across Three Centuries: A Photographic Exhibition on Chinese Immigration in Yucatán, Mexico" kicked off at the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum on April 28.
Organized as part of the commemorative events marking the 20th anniversary of the Consulate General of Mexico in Guangzhou, the exhibition aims to highlight the historical contributions of Chinese immigrants and their descendants to Mexican society, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Mexico and China, particularly between Mexico and Guangdong Province.
A corner of the exhibition room in Guangzhou on April 28, 2026
During his remarks, the Acting Consul General of Mexico in Guangzhou Daniel Domínguez Cantú noted that they were celebrating over three hundred years of shared history between Mexico and China—a history built upon trade, culture, and, above all, the bonds between the two peoples.
Domínguez recalled that throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, several waves of Chinese migrants arrived in Yucatán, integrating into local society and contributing significantly to its development.
Many of them were from Guangdong, turning this region into a vital cultural bridge between China and Mexico. To this day, a significant portion of the Chinese and Chinese-descended community in Mexico traces its roots back to Guangdong.
Photo: A Chinese family, photographed during 1900–1920 in Yucatán
"Currently, Mexico and China maintain a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation. In this context, Guangdong plays a particularly significant role," he added.
Notably, the Acting Consul General of Mexico in Guangzhou highlighted that Guangdong maintains a sister-region relationship with the State of Mexico, reflecting the strength and breadth of the ties between the regions of the two countries. Furthermore, various cities in Guangdong have established sister-city relationships with Mexican cities, thereby strengthening exchanges at the local level.
"The history we present today through this exhibition serves as a reflection of that profound connection between Guangdong and Mexico—a relationship that has evolved over time and now looks toward the future," Domínguez stated.
Photo: The siblings Felipe and Rosa Canton, owners of "Cafe Canton", photographed in 1988
Following the remark by the Acting Consul General of Mexico in Guangzhou, two personal stories were shared during the opening ceremony: one by a Chinese who had lived in Mexico before, and the other by a Mexican who is currently living in China.
Eva Chen, a former Chinese teacher at the Confucius Institute of the Autonomous University of Yucatán, told her story with Mexico which began just after she graduated from university. At that time, she packed her bags and arrived in Yucatán after crossing the Pacific Ocean.
During the two years in Yucatán, Chen taught Chinese while learning Spanish. She guided her students in reading Chinese poetry and also accompanied them in discovering the richness of Mayan civilization.
"The exhibition not only tells us about the history of Chinese immigrants. Above all, it reminds us that the ties between China and Mexico—and, in particular, between Guangdong and Yucatán—did not emerge overnight," she noted.
According to Chen, it represents three hundred years of history, a path forged by generations through their footsteps, their sweat, and their nostalgia.
Photo: A Chinese-Yucatecan Family, photographed during 1892–1910 in Yucatán
Ramon Yanez, a Mexican entrepreneur who has lived in Shenzhen since July 2023 with his Chinese wife, realized that his life is destined to bridge Mexican culture and Chinese culture.
In China, Yanez has learned to appreciate the profound respect for family, traditions, and teamwork; the spirit of helping others; and the value of hard work driven by an indomitable spirit.
"China's industrial sector is truly astonishing," noted Yanez. Many of the business leaders from whom he has learned started from scratch, and some of them today own or manage massive conglomerates and corporations.
One of the primary reasons for their success has been never ceasing to believe in themselves, respecting their origins and possessing a deep, abiding love for family, work, and life itself.
After the three guests' remarks, all guests stepped into the exhibition room to view the photos prepared by the Autonomous University of Yucatán. It is announced that the exhibition would be held until late May at the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum.
Reporter | Zhang Ruijun
Photo | Zhang Ruijun
