The San Diu originated in the area of  Guangdong Province, China.  In mid-1600s, they migrated to the northern part of Vietnam.  It is not clear whether they were of Han Chinese ancestry, or whether they were a tribal group that adopted Chinese culture and the Cantonese (Yue) language.

San Diu villages traditionally were ruled by a village chief and the Taoist priest, the Taoshi.  Unfortunately they brought with them some of the abuses found in feudal China.  The abuses include exploitation of the poor by the rich, lending money at high rates of interest, and ruthless foreclosures which reduced many San Diu farmers to landless sharecroppers.  Over time, though, this problem has abated. 

 

 

     In more recent history, the San Diu have been known for their strong belief in individual ownership of farmland.  Communal ownership is unknown to them.  To assist their leaders, each family offers a small part of its land to the village chief and the Taoshi.  There are limits, however, to prevent the donation system from being abusive.  The chief can control no more than 7.2 hectares (less than 18 acres).  The Taoshi can use the donated land only so long as he remains in office.