Below we list some different topics that will be part of starting your search and which steps you can take.

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DNA Tests

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​​​DNA testing is crucial to a successful search. Many recent matches have happened only through DNA matching. Do two DNA tests if you can, but the most important is an SNP/autosomal (23and Me, uploaded to GEDmatch) test, followed by an STR/CODIS/paternity test if you can afford it. Upload results from both to as many databases as possible.

 

You can find more information about DNA tests on our DNA Testing page. Even if you come across your birth family with your own search, you’ll have to do a DNA test to confirm it, so you might as well get started! :)

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Paperwork

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Gather all your adoption paperwork, especially the following documents:

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1. Certificate of Adoption

2. Certificate of Birth

3. Certificate of Abandonment

 

Even if you already have a translation, consider having it re-translated by a Chinese speaker. Some adoptees have found information in the Chinese versions that was not included in the translated version. Keep in mind that the information in your documents, such as finding place, dates, who found you, etc. may be inaccurate. If you want to hire a translator, you can find information about translators on our Resources page.

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Ads and Posters

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Consider ordering your Finding Ad (for those born 1999 or later) and a Birth Parent Search Analysis from Research-China. The Birth Parent Search Analysis will give you information on the finding patterns of your orphanage and additional information from the time you were born and relinquished, which may help you search more effectively.

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You can also create an individual search poster to share on Chinese social media and with Chinese contacts. If you want to cast a wider net on social media, then you can join the search poster for your province. We create posters for adoptees that get many views on Chinese platforms.

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Search Organizations and Projects

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Some organizations offer services for adoptees who want to search for their birth parents. For example Nanchang Project's Origins Search (currently paused), which is open to all adoptees from anywhere in China. They offer regional and small group searches at an affordable cost and cover DNA testing for all birth parents who come forward. DNA testing is through 23mofang and uploaded to GEDmatch.  

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You can also follow The Roots of Love on Facebook or Instagram and watch for announcements of when they may be opening up their search grants for adoptees who need financial help.​​ Or check to see if there's a wide-net search project with DNAConnect.Org for your location and consider joining.

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If you want to search by yourself but need some local help, consider hiring a searcher in China.

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Social Media and Other Tools

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Join birth parent search Facebook groups, as well as groups for your own province and orphanage. Connect with others adopted from the same orphanage and timeframe. It is also useful to compare information, photos, and other details.

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​Using Chinese social media platforms is very important in your search, since many Chinese only use local apps and websites. One of the most important ones is WeChat, the most common messaging app in China. Add friends to your WeChat contact list, and get used to its different features like the WeChat Moments feed. You can also join a WeChat birth parent searching group for your province. Check our how-to guides for help.

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Red Note/Xiaohongshu is a popular social media platform that you can download to create your own search video for sharing.

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Use the Google translate app – your new best friend! ImTranslator is also a big help on your desktop. Pleco is an excellent app to look up words or phrases (English or Chinese characters) and Written Chinese is another useful translation website. Many people end up using a combination of multiple translators.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​If you decide to go public with your search, try contacting newspapers in your city to see if you can interest them in publicizing your story. Here is a list of some of the major newspapers (in Dutch, use Chrome to translate).