Discover the history of immigrants who journeyed from Hong Kong to San Francisco 170 years ago
Travelling from Hong Kong to the US city of San Francisco in 2025 is a straightforward trip that takes around 12 hours, with four direct flights available daily.
In 1848 – 170 years ago – the journey was very different. Back then, it meant taking a long, difficult voyage on a ship across the Pacific Ocean. It could take as long as 60 days.
Many Chinese men were drawn to San Francisco during this time, hoping to find fortune. This interest was fuelled by the discovery of gold in California in 1848. 'Let's go gold digging in Gold Mountain' became a phrase that was commonly used in Hong Kong.
An exhibition titled 'Sojourning in Gold Mountain – Hong Kong and the Lives of Overseas Chinese in California' at the Hong Kong Museum of History in Tsim Sha Tsui delves deeper into the stories of these Chinese adventurers.
It features more than 170 exhibits on loan from California, with 70 per cent being displayed to the public for the first time.
The exhibition examines the first significant wave of Chinese immigration to the United States from various perspectives. It also highlights Hong Kong's important role as a gateway between the two cultures.
Quiz time
1. How long did it take to travel from Hong Kong to San Francisco in 1848?
2. What historical event attracted many Chinese men to San Francisco 170 years ago?
3. What is the exhibition about Chinese migrants to California called?
4. What percentage of the exhibits are being publicly displayed for the first time?
The exhibition highlights Hong Kong's importance as a gateway for Chinese labourers travelling to and from California. Photo: Handout
Suggested answers
60 days
The discovery of gold in California
'Sojourning in Gold Mountain – Hong Kong and the Lives of Overseas Chinese in California'
70 per cent
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