He Xinwei and his cousin He Yiliang (first on the right) and nephew (first on the left). [Photo by Wang Xinlin]

A bus carrying a delegation of more than 20 people from the US "Friends of Roots, Him Mark Lai Family History Project" on November 6 slowly came to a stop in front of the memorial archway of Cuiheng Zhutouyuan Village, Nanlang Town.

A tall, gray-haired man got off the bus and stared for a long time at the archway of Cuiheng Zhutouyuan. He then stood at the entrance of the village and looked inside. "This is the third time I have returned to Nanlang to seek my roots. It has been nearly 20 years since I last returned to my hometown. The village is different from what I remember," spoke He Xinwei with emotion. He Xinwei is a native of Zhongshan who resides in the United States, and he was here to speak to his friends in the delegation.

Accompanied by his cousin He Yiliang and his nephew, He Xinwei has been reunited with his long-lost relatives. "Not only has Zhongshan developed very quickly, but even the village has changed a lot. Houses have taken on a new look, and the roads are cleaner and smoother. I no longer recognize the way to my ancestral home," said He Xinwei.

In He Xinwei's mind, the ancestral hall is a continuation of the clan's blood bond and endless hometown sentiments that have been passed down from generation to generation over the past hundred years. "It is very important for me to look at my family tree and understand my family history, because everyone and every family have their roots. These roots can not be forgotten. Our hometown is our emotional sustenance."

Unfortunately, the family tree was taken away from the village by a relative who had moved to Macao. This left only one copy of the pedigree handwritten by his cousin. He Xinwei and his cousin scanned the yellowish family tree and tried to piece together the family's long-standing memory.

"This trip is of great significance. I saw my relatives who I have not seen for a long time, and I have also learned more about my family history. I plan to go to Macao in the future to look for relatives and find the family tree to study. I also hope to return to my hometown with my sister and brother next time," said He Xinwei.