Exhibition reveals Chinese legacy in Peru

To celebrate the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese immigration in Peru, the Embassy of Peru in Beijing is holding an exhibition in the Imperial City Museum of art.

According to the embassy, an estimated 15 percent of the 30 million Peruvian population has Chinese roots, making Peru the country populated by the most Chinese immigrants in South America.

"Chinese immigration would transform into an invaluable contribution to the economy, society, politics and culture of Peru," said Harold Forsyth, Peruvian ambassador in Beijing.

The exhibition, which started on Dec 4 and will last until Wednesday, shows some documents and photos of the first Chinese immigrants in Peru. They are partly from the embassy's collection.

On display are pictures of the first ships that reached the Peruvian harbor in Callao, as well as documents signed at that time between China and Peru. The exhibits are a visual testament to 160 years of Chinese influence in Peru.

Thousands of Chinese, mostly from Macao and Guangdong, went to Peru when it opened its doors for immigrants in 1840. They worked in mines and sugar plantations, ultimately supporting the country's industrialization.

Many Chinese immigrants also ran small businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants in big Peruvian cities like the capital Lima and Iquito.

Among them were the grandparents of Peruvian-born Gustavo Fox.

His grandparents came to Peru from Guangzhou in the beginning of the 1900s and made Peru their new home. They worked for Wing On Chong, one of the first foreign trade companies that shipped Chinese goods to Peru. Information about the company can be found in the exhibition.

"My grandparents sacrificed a lot to give my parents a good start in life," said Fox. "Although they did not live with other Chinese immigrants, they were very close to each other."

Fox moved to Beijing 14 years ago to learn the Chinese language. Today he runs his own business, exporting construction products such as wood floors, doors and panels from China to other countries.

"I want to be a part of the economic development in China," he said.