Overseas Chinese Day

Every year on October 21, the observance known as Overseas Chinese Day in Taiwan invites members of the Chinese diaspora and their descendants around the world to reflect on their heritage and connections to Taiwan.

History of Overseas Chinese Day

The date was selected in recognition of the role played by the overseas Chinese community in supporting and maintaining cultural, economic and social ties with the island. The day honours the contributions of Chinese expatriates and their descendants who reside outside the “Greater China” region, acknowledging both the heritage they carry and the bridges they build.

Though not a full public holiday, it is officially recognised as an observance in Taiwan. It reflects Taiwan’s outreach to overseas Chinese and its interest in deepening cultural and informational exchanges with Chinese communities abroad.

Why is Overseas Chinese Day important?

When I think about this day, it strikes me as more than just a commemorative date—it’s a moment of acknowledgement. For people living thousands of kilometres from Taiwan or from ancestral lands, it’s a chance to remember roots, contributions and identity. It reminds us that migration creates layered identities, and that staying connected to heritage can be enriching for both individuals and societies.

It also recognises the two‑way flow of influence: overseas Chinese support Taiwan’s global networks, culture and diplomacy, while Taiwan honours their role and seeks to maintain those global connections. In a world of shifting borders and global communities, this day gently spots the value of cultural continuity, belonging and mutual support.

• Celebrates the global Chinese community and their ties to Taiwan
• Reminds us that heritage and identity can span continents and lifetimes
• Encourages connection—cultural, educational and economic—between Taiwan and overseas Chinese
• Highlights how diaspora communities enrich both their host countries and their countries of origin
• Invites people to reflect on how traditions, language and heritage are carried forward

How to Observe Overseas Chinese Day

You don’t need formal ceremonies to mark this day—simple acts of reflection, connection or sharing can be meaningful. Perhaps reach out to a friend or family member who is overseas and take a moment to talk about your heritage or family story. You might explore and share the story of an overseas Chinese community—maybe one in Southeast Asia, the Americas or elsewhere—and what ties they have to Taiwan.

If you live in Taiwan or visit, you could attend a cultural event, or simply wear something that connects you to your Chinese heritage and use it as a prompt for conversation. If you’re part of a diaspora community, maybe arrange a virtual meet‑up where everyone shares one tradition they keep alive. It becomes less about formal recognition and more about real connection.

• Call or message an overseas family member or friend and ask about their heritage today
• Look up an overseas Chinese community and learn one story or fact about them
• Share on social media a memory or photo that connects you to Chinese heritage or Taiwan
• If you have roots in Taiwan, prepare a dish or tune into a cultural item that links you to home
• Encourage a younger relative or friend to ask older generations about their migration or heritage story

Overseas Chinese Day Dates Table