The Silk Roads, the theme of this year's Historian-in-Residence Programme, have existed for thousands of years, passing through and connecting cultures, empires, societies and peoples in Asia and Europe. Routes across land and sea allowed merchandise, commodities, knowledge, ideas and beliefs to be exchanged, leaving a profound historical and cultural legacy for humanity.

Vietnam is a long, narrow country that stretches along the eastern coast of the lndochinese peninsula. It is known for its soaring mountains, sinuous rivers and exotic beaches. Apart from its spectacular nature, Vietnam is one of the countries along the Maritime Silk Roads, which took shape in the Qin and Han dynasties, and flourished in the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Eminent historian Dr Joseph Ting, former Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History, will host a talk and historical exploration themed around 'Merchants on the Waves: Vietnam's Trading Ties with Countries along the Maritime Silk Roads'. In this talk, which will be held on 16 November 2018, Dr Ting will shed light on Vietnam's trading ties with countries along the Maritime Silk Roads over the course of history, exploring how Vietnam and its surrounding countries have shaped each other economically and culturally through the myriad encounters made possible by the Silk Roads.

In early January 2019, Dr Ting will lead PolyU students and staff in a five-day historical exploration to Vietnam to delve into its long and fascinating history. The first stop is Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the guidance of Dr Ting, we will stroll around the ancient town, visiting famous sites and museums to learn how indigenous and foreign influences have combined to produce this unique heritage site. My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of impressive Hindu temples, will also be visited.

Following Hoi An, Dr Ting will travel with us to Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to visiting such important sites as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Independence Palace and the Museum of Vietnamese History, Dr Ting will lead us in exploring Cholon. This quarter of Ho Chi Minh City has long been inhabited by Chinese people and is considered the largest Chinatown in the world by area. Participants will visit Cholon's guildhalls, established mainly by Cantonese and Teochew migrants, which combined commercial, social and spiritual functions to serve the needs of the Chinese migrant groups.