Background information
Mr. and Mrs. Yi Peng immigrated to Wales in 1988. Mr. Peng was originally involved in real estate in Guangzhou, China, but they moved due to familial ties—Mrs. Peng’s parents were already in the UK. During their visit, the British government offered residency opportunities to Chinese nationals overseas. Motivated by their aspirations for democracy and freedom, the Pengs applied to stay permanently in the UK.
In Wales, Mr. Peng found the environment safe, and they began working in the takeaway food industry—a demanding occupation, with long hours spent cooking. Adapting to life in a foreign country without fluency in English posed a challenge. Though Mr. Peng sometimes considered returning to China, his wife’s determination to stay and their desire to remain united as a family kept him in the UK.
Their life was marked by a dedication to family and hopes for a better future for their children. While they wished for their sons to join them in the UK, immigration restrictions kept their children in China. Their youngest son did study in the UK for six years but chose to return to China, finding life in Britain somewhat monotonous compared to his opportunities in Guangzhou.
The Pengs deeply value Chinese cultural traditions and strive to preserve their heritage, celebrating festivals and passing on cultural practices to future generations. Mr. Peng, in particular, takes pride in sharing Chinese customs and emphasizes teaching the younger generation the importance of diligence and perseverance. They remain engaged with both their Chinese roots and Welsh community life, advocating for cultural exchange and understanding between their two worlds.
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https://www.peoplescollection.wales/user/117071/published-items
