Crossing the Pacific: The Dream of Gold Mountain, Chinese Going Abroad, and the Formation of Hong Kong

The California Gold Rush in the 19th century had a profound impact on Hong Kong's fate. As gold was discovered in California, people from the Pearl River Delta, particularly the South China region, flocked to California in search of their fortunes. This wave of migration transformed Hong Kong into a key Pacific gateway, connecting North America and Asia. Hong Kong became a hub for trade, finance, information exchange, and personal communication, serving as a vital "middle ground" for Chinese immigrants. This book focuses on the significance of Hong Kong in Chinese emigration history, using the case of Chinese immigration to California to explore its impact on the city's economy, society, and cultural development.