Tracing Your Chinese Roots

Chinese genealogy can feel overwhelming—especially if you don't read or speak Chinese. Our team has gathered trusted information and resources to create tools and guides that walk you through each step.

Getting Started

Understanding Chinese Names

Discover how Chinese names hold clues about family roots, values, and generational identity.

What is a Clan Genealogy Book? (Jiapu)

Explore the jiapu—your family's handwritten history. Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to read and understand it.

Discovering Your First Ancestor

Understand the role of your founding ancestor and why they're central to your family's story.

Family Generation Poems

Learn how poetic traditions help preserve family order and pass meaning from one generation to the next.

Chinese Lunar Dates Explained

Learn how the traditional Chinese calendar works and how to read or convert lunar dates, even if you don't speak Chinese.

Discover More

Clues from Chinese Gravestones

Uncover how gravestones can reveal ancestral names, hometowns, and more—with help from our Gravestone Guide.

Inside Chinese Ancestral Halls

Discover sacred spaces built to honor ancestors. Use our visual guide to understand tablets and hall inscriptions.

Talking with Family Members

Start meaningful conversations with relatives to unlock hidden stories and family connections.

Finding Your Ancestral Village

Trace your family back to its original village—the heart of Chinese heritage and community.

Local Resources

Chinese-American Immigration Records

Coming Soon

Chinese-Canadian Immigration Records

Explore Chinese immigration and settlement records in Canada to trace your family history.

Taiwan Household Registry

Trace family records, confirm lineage, and explore ancestral details using Taiwan's registration system.