Wu Chinese in Australia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Wu Chinese language is more commonly referred to as the Shanghai dialect, but in fact Wu is spoken in a far greater area than just Shanghai. The Wu are counted as part of the Han nationality.
The Wu Chinese community in Australia is part of the broader Chinese-Australian population, which includes migrants from various regions of China such as Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu—areas where Wu Chinese is predominantly spoken. While specific data on Wu Chinese speakers is limited, their lifestyle in Australia can be understood within the context of the wider Chinese diaspora.
Wu Chinese speakers are primarily found in urban centers like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where Chinese-Australian communities are well established.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Family remains a core value, with strong intergenerational ties and respect for elders.
Many Wu Chinese families uphold traditional customs such as celebrating Lunar New Year, ancestor veneration, and family reunions.
Children are often encouraged to pursue academic excellence, and parents invest heavily in education and extracurricular activities. Many younger members of the community attend Australian universities, often excelling in STEM and business disciplines.
Wu Chinese Australians are actively involved in various sectors, including small business ownership, particularly in hospitality, retail, and services. Others are in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, finance, and IT.
Wu Chinese culture is preserved through language schools teaching Wu dialects and Mandarin.
Cultural festivals, including Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival.
Cuisine, with regional dishes from Shanghai and Zhejiang feature in restaurants and family gatherings.
Wu Chinese Australians generally express high levels of satisfaction with life in Australia, valuing its safety, education, and opportunities. Many identify as Australian-Chinese, blending their heritage with a sense of belonging to Australia.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Wu Chinese do not practice any religion, although in recent years there has been widespread interest in the magical practice of Qi Gong. However, they have a strong Christian presence in Australia. They probably join other Chinese Christians for worship services. Those who are more integrated tend to join English-speaking Australian churches.


What Are Their Needs?

Some face challenges such as language barriers, discrimination, or cultural misunderstandings, particularly among older migrants.


Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to use Wu Chinese Christians as salt and light to those around them.
Pray that traditional barriers to the gospel would be broken down.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless Wu Chinese families with the realization that they need a sin-free Savior who offers abundant life.
Pray for Wu Chinese disciples who are zealous to spread the fragrance of Christ to their community and to others.


Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Wu in Australia.


References

AI generated by Copilot


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Han Chinese, Wu
People Name in Country Han Chinese, Wu
Natural Name Wu Chinese
Pronunciation Woo
Alternate Names Han Chinese; Haw; Ho Yunannese; Hor; Khach; Shanghai; Shanghai Chinese; Shanghainese; Tau; Wenchow; Wu
Population this Country 3,500
Population all Countries 81,175,000
Total Countries 10
Indigenous No
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 11345
ROP3 Code 102143
Country Australia
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Australia
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
14.00 %
Ethnic Religions
86.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Chinese, Wu (3,500 speakers)
Language Code wuu   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Chinese, Wu (3,500 speakers)
Language Code wuu   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Chinese, Wu

Primary Language:  Chinese, Wu

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1847-1908)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1868-1908)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1908-1914)
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Chinese, Wu Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2025  Operation China, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.