On weekends in April, the Gangqiao Cultural Station (岗侨驿站) in Gangmei Town, Yangchun, Yangjiang City, becomes a vibrant weekend destination, drawing visitors eager to explore Southeast Asian flavors and overseas Chinese culture.
The term "Gangqiao" refers to the overseas Chinese of Gangmei. The town is home to over 1,000 returned overseas Chinese and more than 5,000 of their family members, making it one of the most concentrated overseas Chinese communities in Yangjiang.
The site offers a variety of immersive experiences. Visitors can savor pandan cakes, coconut rolls, and lemon tea, and explore exhibitions on local overseas Chinese history. They can also shop for Southeast Asian snacks and local specialties at a one-stop market for agricultural and cultural products.
Through local urban renewal and rural development projects, the town has transformed previously idle buildings into a vibrant cultural space, connected to greenways and ecological parks. A Southeast Asian-style cultural park further enhances the unique charm of this overseas Chinese hometown.
The site is also adding new facilities, including a performance stage, a reading lounge, and a pandan garden. Future programming will include regular cultural performances and food festivals, positioning the station as a key regional tourism destination and a showcase for overseas Chinese culture.
Author | Huang Xinying
Photo | Nanfang Daily
