Ask a QuestionWhen traveling in Chaozhou, most visitors are attracted by its ancient streets, traditional architecture, Teochew food, Gongfu tea, and local opera. However, behind this historic city lies another important cultural story that connects Chaozhou with the world — the story of Qiaopi (侨批), the overseas Chinese letters and remittance documents that carried homesickness, family responsibility, and hopes across oceans.
For hundreds of years, countless people from Chaoshan (Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang) left their hometowns and traveled overseas in search of better opportunities. They worked in Southeast Asia, North America, and other regions, sending money and handwritten letters back home through special channels known as Qiaopi. These small pieces of paper became precious records of overseas Chinese history and an emotional bridge between migrants and their families.
Today, Chaozhou has transformed this unique heritage into immersive cultural experiences. Visitors can not only see original Qiaopi documents in museums but also write their own “overseas letter,” visit restored old Qiaopi offices, and experience the emotional connection behind these historical stories.
The word Qiaopi (侨批) combines two Chinese characters: “Qiao” (侨), meaning overseas Chinese, and “Pi” (批), a traditional Chaoshan term referring to letters sent through private remittance channels.
From the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, many people from the Chaoshan region traveled overseas, especially to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. At that time, local economic conditions were difficult, and many young men chose to “go overseas” (known locally as “Guo Fan” or 过番) to make a living.
Life abroad was often challenging. Many overseas Chinese workers lived far away from their hometowns for years or even decades. Sending money home was not only a financial responsibility but also a way to support elderly parents, wives, and children left behind.
Because modern banking systems did not exist, overseas Chinese relied on specialized Qiaopi agencies, known as Pi Ju (批局). These agencies collected remittances and delivered both money and letters back to families in China.
A typical Qiaopi usually contained two parts:
A handwritten family letter describing life overseas, expressing homesickness, or sharing personal news.
A remittance document recording the money sent home.
Although the letters were often short, they carried deep emotions. A few simple sentences could represent years of separation between family members.
Many Qiaopi included phrases expressing filial duty, such as reminding families to take care of parents, educate children, or maintain traditional values. These documents provide valuable insights into the lives of overseas Chinese communities and the social changes of that period.
In 2013, Qiaopi Archives from the Chinese Maritime Silk Road were included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, recognizing their outstanding historical and cultural value.
For Chaozhou visitors, exploring Qiaopi culture is not only about seeing old documents. It is about understanding how ordinary people created connections between China and the world through courage, family love, and perseverance.
Today, several places in Chaozhou offer different ways to experience Qiaopi culture. Some focus on immersive activities where visitors can participate directly, while others provide historical exhibitions with valuable collections.
1. Chaozhou Government Office 潮州府属
If you want to experience what a traditional Qiaopi office looked like, the Chaozhou Government Office is one of the best places to visit. Inside Hall No. 2, the exhibition area has recreated an old-style Pi Ju (Qiaopi agency) scene with a high level of detail. Visitors can see traditional decorations, vintage signboards, and old transportation items such as the classic 28-bicycle, which was also featured in the movie A Letter to Grandma.
The highlight is the interactive experience. Visitors can sit down at a traditional desk, pick up a brush, and write their own Qiaopi-style letter. If you are unfamiliar with Chinese calligraphy, local staff acting as “letter writers” can help write your message and add traditional stamps before mailing it as a special souvenir. The experience allows travelers to understand that Qiaopi was not just a historical document but a personal message filled with emotions.
On the second floor, visitors can see precious original Qiaopi documents and learn about the stories behind them. At certain times each day, free guided explanations are available, making it easier for international visitors to understand the historical background.
The Chaozhou Government Office is located in the ancient city area, so it is convenient to combine it with other attractions such as:
A half-day route covering these attractions allows visitors to experience both traditional architecture and overseas Chinese history.
2. Talent Coffee (Qiaopi Post Office) 人才咖啡（侨批邮局）
For travelers looking for a more relaxed and creative way to experience Qiaopi culture, Talent Coffee (Qiaopi Post Office) is a popular stop. Hidden inside a century-old Western-style building, originally the site of the former “Shilit Society,” this café combines Southern China’s overseas Chinese history with modern lifestyle experiences. The building itself reflects the influence of overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia. During the late Qing Dynasty and Republican period, many successful overseas Chinese businessmen brought foreign architectural styles and cultural elements back to Chaozhou.
At the café, visitors can:
The atmosphere combines old buildings, nostalgic decorations, and modern coffee culture, making it a great place for photos. After visiting, you can continue exploring nearby attractions, including the ancient city walls, Guangji Bridge, and Xu Prince Consort Mansion, creating a route that combines history, architecture, and local lifestyle.
3. Chaozhou Qinghui Building Qiaopi Culture Museum 潮州清晖楼侨批文化馆
Location: Yulin Road, Caitang Town, Chao’an District, Chaozhou
The Qinghui Building Qiaopi Culture Museum is the first museum in Chaozhou dedicated specifically to Qiaopi culture. It is an excellent choice for visitors who want to learn more about the history of Chaoshan overseas Chinese.
Unlike the more interactive experiences in the ancient city, this museum focuses on systematic historical education.
The museum contains seven exhibition sections, covering:
The history of Chaoshan people traveling overseas
The development of Qiaopi agencies
Overseas Chinese communities
Family connections maintained through letters and remittances
Important historical figures among Chaoshan overseas Chinese
One of the most meaningful experiences here is the Qiaopi writing area. Visitors can personally write a letter in the traditional style and imagine the feelings of overseas Chinese who waited months for news from their families.
The museum also introduces famous Chaoshan overseas Chinese figures and explores how overseas communities contributed to the economic and cultural development of their hometown.
To make Qiaopi culture more accessible to younger generations, the museum has introduced creative activities such as:
Scripted role-playing games
Cultural and creative products
Historical scene performances
These activities transform old documents into living cultural experiences.
4. Chaozhou Museum: A Place to Understand Qiaopi History Systematically
Location: Second Floor, “Overseas Chinese History Exhibition – Overseas Remittance Supporting Families” Section
For visitors who want a deeper understanding of Chaozhou’s overseas Chinese history, the Chaozhou Museum is the best place to start.
The museum’s Qiaopi exhibition introduces the origins and development of overseas Chinese correspondence and remittance culture through historical documents, objects, and multimedia displays.
One of the highlights is the simulated Red-Headed Boat (Hongtou Chuan) experience area, which recreates the traditional maritime routes used by Chaoshan people traveling overseas.
The exhibition displays:
Original Qiaopi documents
Overseas Chinese household items
Historical photographs
Objects related to migration and overseas life
Through these exhibits, visitors can better understand why so many people from Chaoshan chose to leave their hometowns and how they maintained connections with their families.
Besides the Qiaopi exhibition, the museum also houses important cultural relics, including the famous “Monkey on the Mansion Roof” sculpture (Foulou Hou) and exquisite golden lacquer wood carvings.
It is recommended to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00–17:00
Last admission: 16:30
5. Shaxi Town Overseas Chinese Home: A Relaxed Experience of Overseas Chinese Culture
Location: Shaxi Town, Chao’an District, near Chaoshan Railway Station
If you have extra time beyond Chaozhou Ancient City, Shaxi Town offers a different perspective on overseas Chinese culture.
The Overseas Chinese Home in Shaxi Town combines cultural exhibitions with leisure experiences. Here, visitors can explore the immersive overseas Chinese cultural exhibition “Four Seas Overseas Guests” (四海番客) and view valuable Qiaopi collections.
Compared with traditional museums, this place creates a more relaxed environment where visitors can enjoy culture through daily experiences.
Highlights include:
Immersive overseas Chinese exhibitions
Historical Qiaopi displays
Nanyang-style desserts and shaved ice
Chaoshan local food
Evening corner concerts
It is especially suitable for travelers who prefer a slower pace and want to experience how overseas Chinese culture continues to influence modern Chaozhou life.
How to Plan a Qiaopi Culture Tour in Chaozhou
For first-time visitors, the following route is recommended:
Route 1: Classic Chaozhou Ancient City + Qiaopi Experience (Half Day)
Chaozhou Government Office → Talent Coffee (Qiaopi Post Office) → Paifang Street → Guangji Bridge
This route is suitable for most international tourists because all attractions are relatively close and can be explored on foot.
Route 2: Deep Qiaopi History Tour (One Day)
Chaozhou Museum → Qinghui Building Qiaopi Culture Museum → Shaxi Town Overseas Chinese Home
This route is better for travelers interested in overseas Chinese history and cultural research.
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