Our Process
How It Works
Simple & Free
Three Easy Steps
Submit Your Genealogy Request
Begin your journey by completing our genealogy request form. Tell us what you know about your family — names, approximate birth years, provinces or villages if known, and what you hope to discover.
Don’t worry if you have very little information to start with. Even a single surname and a rough era is often enough to begin. Our volunteers are experienced at working with minimal starting data.
A Dedicated Volunteer Reviews Your Case
One of our trained genealogy volunteers will be assigned to your request. They will search through historical records, clan registries (族譜), village archives, and online genealogy databases to find matches for your family.
Our volunteers read Traditional and Simplified Chinese, speak multiple dialects including Cantonese, Mandarin, and Hakka, and have experience navigating records from across mainland China, Taiwan, and diaspora communities.
Receive Your Results
We will share our findings directly with you. Results may include family names in Chinese characters, ancestral villages, lineage connections, historical context, and tips for further research.
We are honest about what we find and do not find. Some searches yield rich results; others reveal that records were lost over time. Either way, we walk the journey with you.
What We Can Help With
Surname Research
Finding Chinese characters for romanised surnames and tracing their origins.
Village & Region
Identifying ancestral villages, districts, and counties from immigration records.
Clan Registers
Searching clan genealogy books (族譜) to find lineage and ancestral connections.
Immigration Records
Cross-referencing immigration manifests, poll taxes, and diaspora records.
Translation Help
Translating documents, names, or inscriptions from Chinese into English.
Research Guidance
Advising on next steps, archives to contact, and resources for self-directed research.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this service really free?
Yes, completely free. Search Chinese Roots is a volunteer-driven service. We do not charge for research, consultation, or any of our assistance.
How long does research take?
It depends on the complexity of your request. Simple surname lookups may take a few days; more detailed lineage research can take several weeks. We will keep you informed of progress.
Do I need to know Chinese?
Not at all. You can submit your request in English, and we will handle all Chinese-language research and translation. We work with families who may have little connection to the language.
What if records no longer exist?
This is a real possibility. Many records were destroyed during periods of war and political upheaval in China. We will be transparent with you if records are incomplete or unavailable, and suggest alternative avenues where possible.
Can I volunteer to help others?
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Whether you read Chinese, have genealogy experience, or simply want to help, we would love to have you on the team. Contact us to get involved.