The history of immigration of Chinese to overseas may date back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties 2000 years ago. However, the large-scale immigration of Chinese to overseas began after 1840, and passport came into being at this time. Under the historical background in the late Qing Dynasty when the country was poor and invaded by the big powers, the overseas Chinese were often bullied, and the passports of Chinese could not play a real role in protecting the rights and interests of overseas Chinese at that time. After the Republic of China was founded, the status of passports of Chinese was still despised internationally due to the separation of warlords in China, the turbulence of political situation, the invasion of Japanese invaders, etc., and overseas Chinese often encountered difficulty when travelling.

With the expanding development and fast economic growth of the Republic of China after its founding, more and more Chinese go abroad, and the passports thereof play an increasingly important role in protecting the security, rights and interests of overseas Chinese.

Since ancient times, most Chinese have been abroad for visiting, doing business, traveling or running risk ventures by voyage. Therefore, China Maritime Museum, which has been devoting itself to the research and display of subjects of overseas Chinese, cooperates with Jiangmen Museum to hold this exhibition. The exhibition aims at, in the unique perspective of passport, showing the close relations between passport and the life of overseas Chinese, and reflecting the historical progress and spiritual outlook of overseas Chinese who travel far to overseas and strive bravely in life.