Two Centuries of Chinese Heritage in Western Australia
1830s - 2020s
1830s - 2020s
Discover, record, and tell stories of two centuries of Chinese communities’ contributions to our state and commonwealth
Research Outputs
Research is the cornerstone of our project — we are dedicated to uncovering new insights and illuminating the rich, dynamic heritage of Chinese Australians in Western Australia. This page showcases our latest research outputs, highlighting the critical role that rigorous academic inquiry plays in preserving history, fostering understanding, and ensuring the valuable stories of Chinese Western Australians continue to inspire future generations.
Academic Presentations
On 27 June 2025, Yu Tao delivered a presentation titled Revisiting Liang Qichao’s 1900 Visit: A Digital Microhistory of the Chinese Community in Western Australia at the Dawn of Federation, as part of the Talks in Chinese Humanities series co-hosted by the China Studies Centre, the Discipline of Chinese Studies, and the Australian Society for Asian Humanities at the University of Sydney.
Drawing on the innovative Two Centuries of Chinese Heritage in Western Australia digital platform, launched at the University of Western Australia in 2024, the presentation offered a microhistorical exploration of Liang Qichao’s engagements with Chinese communities in Fremantle, Perth, and Geraldton during his visit in October 1900. By synthesising historical records with digital tools, Yu Tao reconstructed the complex social, economic, and intellectual worlds of Chinese Western Australians at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history—on the cusp of Federation and the introduction of the White Australia policy. The presentation underscored the significance of Liang’s visit as a lens through which to view transcultural exchange, diasporic agency, and the evolving relationship between Chinese communities and broader Australian society. In doing so, it demonstrated the potential of digital humanities methodologies to uncover overlooked historical episodes and enrich contemporary understandings of Chinese heritage in Australia.
On 4 December 2024, Yu Tao delivered a presentation at the Inaugural Symposium of the Digitisation Centre of Western Australia, offering an overall introduction to the project and underscoring the profound significance of connecting diverse digitised materials to enrich collective knowledge and safeguard cultural heritage.
On 4 October 2024, Yu Tao delivered a presentation at the 10th Australia-China Transcultural Studies Symposium, held at Western Sydney University, titled Revisiting Liang Qichao’s 1900 Visit: A Digital Microhistory of Chinese Heritage in Western Australia at the Dawn of Federation.
The presentation offered a compelling exploration of Liang’s historic journey through a digital microhistorical lens. In it, A/Prof Yu Tao highlighted how this pivotal visit not only reflected the aspirations of Chinese reformers but also intersected with the sociopolitical landscape of a newly federating Australia. The presentation underscored the value of digital methodologies in uncovering nuanced narratives and connecting fragmented histories, contributing to a deeper understanding of the shared heritage between China and Australia.