For many Belizeans, the Chinese community is regarded as an ancient culture shrouded in otherworldly myths - and while their rich culture may support these flights into fantasy, there is much more that we may stand to learn from the Chinese community. Of all the ethnic groups the Chinese are most easily distinguished from the masses. China is very vast, but many Belizeans associate China as one uniform mass, failing to some extent to realize that China, just like Belize and its people, is very varied. For the most part, the Chinese are identified by their complexion, which is very light - not unlike Belize's European ancestors. The Chinese are also distinguished by their hair which is typically black, and possessed of a very fine and delicate texture. One feature that identifies most Chinese, and distinguishes them from others would be their slant and striking eyes. Belizeans today have embraced the Chinese community, but for many, Chinese culture is as much a mystery now as when the Chinese first arrived.

After slavery was abolished in Belize in 1838, the Chinese were brought to work as indentured or contract labourers in the mid- 1860s. In 1865, about 470 Chinese labourers arrived in Belize to work on newly established sugar estates in the Corozal and Orange Walk districts. Most of them were male. By the following year about 100 of them were dead. Overwork, combined with the shock of a new diet and the environment, all very alien to them were considered reasons for the death of the earliest Chinese immigrants to Belize. Many that survived that first year chose to relocate to Quintana Roo or elsewhere in the hope of starting a new life for themselves away from the plantations. In 1871, as the Chinese left the estates in search of better prospects, the importation of Chinese labourers and contract workers on the plantations was deemed a failure and was discontinued.

Some Chinese chose to remain in Orange Walk and Corozal while others relocated to sugar estates in Toledo, others used the opportunity to move to Belize Town, then the capital of the growing settlement. Many of them initiated ventures into the retail industry, opening small shops and laundries. Today the Chinese population is roughly about 2% of the entire population. Despite this seemingly small number the Chinese have made quite an impact on Belize. They have maintained the richness of their culture, including food, customs, and language. Though many of them have adopted a Belizean identity, and are at home here, the knowledge of the past and an appreciation for their culture has made them an example of having to their credit, the kind of cultural pride and affinity that can foster nation building.