Let the World See Shaanxi—From My Story to Our Mission

Shaanxi Association of Canada

By Gao, Rong 2026/1/10

I was born and raised in Shaanxi, living on that land from the 1970s all the way through 2021. During those years, I witnessed China steadily grow stronger: scientific breakthroughs emerged one after another, and major projects impressed the world time and again. Over the decades, China truly transformed—from poverty to prosperity, from catching up to leading the way. An indescribable sense of pride often welled up within me. Yet within that familiar environment, Shaanxi's profound culture felt to me like the air I breathed—so natural that I seldom gave it a second thought. The grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors, the rustic charm of the ancient city walls, the solemnity of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda—these wonders are seen as unique miracles by outsiders, yet to me they were simply part of daily life. In my youth, I yearned to venture out, to see a more modern world and experience different cultures.

In 2021, I arrived in Toronto with great anticipation. This multicultural city draws people from every corner of the globe, where diverse cultures blend. While learning English, I participated in various activities, sampled cuisines from around the world, and made friends from different countries, truly experiencing another kind of brilliance. Back then, it felt like I had opened a window to a whole new world.

Yet, beyond the excitement and novelty, I often felt a sense of emptiness. It wasn't until 2022, when I joined the Shaanxi Association as a board member, that this void began to fill. Here, I found a group of fellow countrymen like me living overseas. Gathering, speaking our familiar hometown dialect, and savoring the flavors of home, that sense of warmth helped me rediscover a sense of belonging. To be honest, I used to think many traditions in my hometown culture were outdated, even a bit “old-fashioned.” But through the association's events, my perspective gradually shifted. Initially, we focused on promoting Shaanxi culture within the Chinese community. Later, we began reaching out to a broader audience. This Canada Day, when we offered Shaanxi snacks to locals, their faces lit up with curiosity and delight. When we performed drum dances, Yangge dances, and Tai Chi in traditional attire, the applause from the audience was warm and genuine. In that moment, it suddenly dawned on me: the culture we take for granted is seen by others as uniquely mysterious and beautiful.

Since then, a sense of responsibility has taken root in my heart. It dawned on me that we weren't merely gathering to eat, drink, and reminisce about home—we were truly embracing a mission: to showcase Shaanxi to the world and help more people understand Chinese culture. The hometown association serves as a bridge connecting us overseas Chinese to our homeland. Its significance extends beyond simply making Shaanxi natives visible within the Chinese community; it's about elevating Shaanxi culture onto a larger stage. Toronto's diverse environment actually presents us with a tremendous opportunity. Perhaps a small event can spark greater understanding of Shaanxi and China. Each gathering plants seeds for our hometown's culture; every effort reveals a different facet of Shaanxi to the world.

Looking back on the past twenty-five years of our association, the journey has been challenging, yet every step counts. Moving forward, we will continue our mission to share Shaanxi's history, culture, and spirit with a wider audience. I firmly believe that with perseverance, Shaanxi culture and Chinese culture will one day shine even brighter on the global stage.

In today's globalized era, cultural exchange grows ever more vital. As overseas Chinese, we bear both the responsibility and the duty to carry Chinese culture to every corner of the world. To showcase Shaanxi to the world and to bring Shaanxi to the world—this is not only the goal of our association but the heartfelt wish of every Shaanxi native. With this passion and mission in our hearts, we will continue our journey, step by step, sharing Shaanxi's stories with the world.