With the popularity of the Chaoshan-dialect film Dear You in China, qiaopi, a UNESCO Memory of the World that refers to historical documents combining letters, account records, and remittance receipts sent by overseas Chinese to their families, has drawn attention to the emotional ties between overseas Chinese communities and their hometowns.
On the occasion of International Museum Day on May 18, visitors are invited to explore museums across Guangdong that preserve this unique cultural heritage.
Qiaopi Division of Shantou Municipal Archives (汕头市档案馆侨批分馆)
The Qiaopi Division of Shantou Municipal Archives, also known as the Qiaopi Museum (侨批文物馆), is China's first museum dedicated to qiaopi. The museum houses more than 110,000 artifacts dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, reflecting the history of the Chaoshan people's emigration. A replica of the "Red Head Junk" depicts the voyages of early migrants who departed from Zhanglin Ancient Port, sailed overseas, and maintained deep ties to their hometown.
Address: No.18 Waima Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区外马路18号)
Opening hours: 9:00 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 17:00 on Wednesday and Saturday
Chaozhou Museum (潮州市博物馆)
As a branch of the Overseas Chinese History Museum of China, Chaozhou Museum presents the stories of the Chaoshan overseas Chinese's migration, homecoming and contributions to their hometown development.
For visitors with more time, nearby ancestral halls in Longhu Ancient Village (龙湖古寨) also offer a glimpse into local diaspora culture and daily life.
Address: Southwest corner of People's Square, intersection of Chaozhou Avenue and Fu'an Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou (潮州市湘桥区潮州大道与福安路交界处人民广场西南角)
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:40), closed on Mondays except public holidays
Hakka Museum of China, Meizhou (广东中国客家博物馆)
Meizhou is a core center of Hakka culture, and qiaopi is a key part of local overseas Chinese heritage. Ahead of International Museum Day, the Hakka Museum of China launched a special exhibition on qiaopi, tracing qiaopi's transoceanic journey and the heartfelt stories behind it.
Address: Temporary Exhibition Hall, 1st Floor, No.2 Dongshan Avenue, Meijiang District, Meizhou (梅州市梅江区东山大道2号一楼临时展厅)
Exhibition period: May 16 to August 30
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:30, closed on Mondays
Meizhou Overseas Chinese Museum (梅州市华侨博物馆)
Shaped like a traditional Hakka tulou, the Meizhou Overseas Chinese Museum documents a century-long history of migration, including overseas journeys, entrepreneurship, and homecoming.
The museum also features exhibition halls dedicated to distinguished figures such as Tsang Hin-chi and Tin Ka-ping, whose philanthropic deeds reflect enduring bonds between overseas Chinese communities and their hometowns.
Address: No.5 Meilong West Road, Meijiang District, Meizhou (梅州市梅江区梅龙西路5号)
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:30, closed on Mondays
China Qiaodu Museum of Overseas Chinese, Jiangmen (中国侨都华侨华人博物馆)
Jiangmen is known as "China's Qiaodu (Hometown of Overseas Chinese)" and boasts a rich historical record of overseas migration and homecoming. At the China Qiaodu Museum of Overseas Chinese, visitors can view aged qiaopi (also known as "silver letters"), yellowed family letters, archival documents and cultural relics that chronicle the century-long history of Wuyi overseas Chinese communities.
Address: Wuyi Overseas Chinese Square, south side of Fazhan Avenue, Pengjiang District, Jiangmen (江门市蓬江区发展大道南侧五邑华侨广场)
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays
Author | Huang Xinying
Photo | Nanfang Plus
