Arrival & Reasons
What decade did most Chinese immigrants arrive in large numbers?
The 1850s.
What violent event between 1860–61 targeted Chinese miners on the goldfields?
The Lambing Flat riots.
What type of mining method did Chinese miners use that made them effective workers?
Sluice boxes and puddling.
What major industry did Chinese labour help increase during the gold rush?
Gold production.
What bright and loud celebration introduced by Chinese communities attracted European spectators?
Lantern parades, firecrackers, and lion/dragon dances.
What was Australia called by Chinese migrants?
“New Gold Mountain.”
What was one major reason European miners discriminated against Chinese immigrants?
Economic competition or cultural misunderstanding.
How did Chinese miners organise themselves to work more efficiently?
They worked in teams with shared labour.
What agricultural contribution by Chinese settlers supported developing towns?
Market gardening that supplied fresh food.
What were the temples built by Chinese communities commonly called?
Joss Houses.
What Chinese province did most immigrants come from?
Guangdong (Southern China).
What law in 1861 restricted Chinese entry into NSW?
The Chinese Immigrants Regulation and Restriction Act.
After the gold rush slowed, which new industries did many Chinese immigrants move into?
Market gardening, small business, and trade.
What type of jobs did many Chinese become involved in besides gardening?
Shopkeepers and labourers
What drink became more popular due to Chinese influence on the goldfields?
Tea.
Name one major event in China that pushed people to leave.
Famine and rebellion in Southern China
Why did many Chinese miners experience cultural isolation?
Most were men alone with limited English and families still in China.
What product became a major part of the import/export trade between Australia and China?
Bananas.
Which profitable crop did Chinese workers help establish in Queensland?
Bananas
What traditional practice did Chinese medicine shops introduce that fascinated many Europeans?
Acupuncture.
Why were most of the Chinese migrants men rather than full families?
They came alone to earn money and send it home to support families.
What combination of experiences made Chinese miners some of the most targeted groups on the goldfields?
Violence, discrimination, restrictive laws, and cultural isolation.
How did Chinese traders influence early economic links between Australia and Asia?
They developed strong import/export networks that connected businesses in both countries.
Why were Chinese workers important to rural transport and trade routes?
They provided labour and businesses that kept small towns functioning.
What Bendigo building still standing today represents the cultural legacy of Chinese immigrants?
The Bendigo Joss House.