Fujian hosts world Hakka Conference

Hakka means "Guest Family People" in Chinese. They are a subgroup of the Han ethnic group. There are about 100 million Hakka around the world. Most of them live in South China and overseas. And Fujian province in East China is now hosting the 25th World Hakka Conference.

It's a gala opening for the 25th World Hakka Conference in Sanming City of Fujian Province in east China.

Over 5000 delegates from 28 countries have gathered to celebrate the success of the Hakka people.

The worship ceremony on Wednesday is the highlight of the two-day conference.

Lin Nan, Sanming City, Fujian Province, said,"This ceremony is to worship the Hakka ancestors, which makes sure the people don't forget them or their roots. Holding the ceremony in the place where the Hakka people originated makes this conference more special than the previous ones."

The weather proved no obstacle to determination. For the attendees, their Hakka identity is the top priority.

Wong Shek Wah, honorary president of Global Union for Tsung Tsin & Hakka Assoc., said,"I'm 102 years old already. It's really important in Hakka families to tell the children where we come from and not to forget our roots."

Coming to the Hakka homeland, many delegates are excited to see the developments.

Dr. Nurdin Purnomo, Indonesian Hakka delegate, said,"I see so many Hakka people here. And I think that all of us wish to see our home country become stronger and more prosperous."

As the conference becomes more influential, many of the younger generation are learning about their heritage.

Zhang Juanjuan, Cantonese Hakka delegate, said,"As a young Hakka, I'm really glad to attend this conference and learn a lot from the older generation."

The World Hakka Conference not only celebrates the success of the Hakka people nowadays and showcases the Hakka culture and history. More importantly, it honors the ancestors and their spirit which represents hard work and perseverance.