More than 170 members of the Liang clan from Southeast Asia, the Chinese mainland, as well as China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan recently gathered in Lisonglang Community in Guangming, returning to a village their ancestors helped establish nearly 600 years ago.

Lisonglang Village, founded in 1436, served as a homecoming destination for relatives whose lives have since spread across the region and around the world.

At the village’s “1436 Reception Hall,” visitors traced the Liang clan’s history through old photographs, farming tools, historical records and other artifacts documenting the family’s migration and development since the village was founded.

The group also visited Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) Guangming School, where community initiatives promoting respect for teachers and stronger school-community cooperation drew praise from clan members. One participant said the tradition of valuing both farming and education, long passed down through the family, was continuing in the village.

The visitors also learned about programs for seniors, young people and families, including birthday celebrations for older residents and matchmaking services.

The final stop was the Liang Clan Ancestral Hall, where lion dancers welcomed the returning relatives. Clan members viewed ancestral tablets and genealogical records that linked family branches scattered across different parts of the world.

“Where the ancestral hall remains, our roots remain,” one clan member said. “When the old buildings are preserved and the old stories are passed on, those of us living far from home can always feel connected to this place.”