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Where did many emigrants from Guangdong settle during the 1800s?
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Guangdong
Bridge between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on the Chinese mainland.
During the mid-19th century, rapid population growth in Guangdong led to significant emigration from the region. Many migrants moved to Southeast Asia and North America to seek new opportunities.1
In addition to those who emigrated voluntarily, some individuals from the region were taken as indentured labourers to work in British, French, and Dutch colonies. Specifically, many Chinese migrants traveled to the United States—often referring to the country as "Gold Mountain"—to participate in the California gold rush.12