As Chinese migrants arrived in Peru in as early as the 19th century, nearly three million of Peru's 34 million population are of Chinese descent today.
In Peru, the Spanish word "paisano" sometimes is used to refer to Peruvians of Chinese descent.
This community maintains a profound cultural connection to their ancestral homeland.
"Are they in Peru? Yes, indeed. They are very grateful for this land, but their minds are always with their homeland, because they are truly Chinese at heart," said Flor de Maria Fernandez, whose father is Peruvian, and mother is Chinese.
"In the early 19th century, Chinese migrants arrived in Peru. Through hard work and saving, many built up modest wealth, and by the second or third generation, most were able to pursue higher education. They know that their roots are in China," said Wang Shishen, formerly first secretary and cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Peru.
Peruvians with Chinese heritage maintain connection to homeland
