Ask a QuestionWhen traveling in Shantou, many visitors come for the historic arcades, Teochew cuisine, and coastal scenery. However, one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in the city is discovering Qiaopi Culture (侨批), a unique tradition that records the emotional connections between overseas Chinese and their hometowns.
Qiaopi refers to the letters and remittance documents sent by overseas Chinese back to their families in China. The word combines “qiao” (侨), meaning overseas Chinese, and “pi” (批), referring to letters with money transfers attached. For more than a century, these small pieces of paper carried not only money but also homesickness, family responsibility, and memories of migration. Shantou was one of the most important departure ports for Chinese migrants heading overseas, especially to Southeast Asia. From the 19th century to the mid-20th century, countless people from Chaoshan traveled across the sea to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Far away from home, they relied on Qiaopi to send money and messages back to their families.
Today, Qiaopi Culture has become an important part of Shantou’s heritage. Through museums, recreated streets, and riverside landscapes, visitors can explore the stories of overseas Chinese and experience the emotional connection between Chaoshan and the world.
For travelers, the best place to experience Qiaopi Culture in Shantou is around the Shantou Small Park Historic Area and the old port district, where museums, historic buildings, and immersive cultural attractions can be explored on foot.
During the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China period, many people from Chaoshan left their hometowns to seek opportunities overseas. They worked as merchants, laborers, and craftsmen in Southeast Asia, building new lives far away from home.
However, despite living thousands of kilometers away, they maintained close relationships with their families through Qiaopi.
A typical Qiaopi usually included:
A handwritten family letter
Information about overseas life
Money sent back to support relatives
Instructions about family matters
At that time, sending money home was not as simple as modern bank transfers. Specialized agencies known as Yinxin Ju (银信局, remittance offices) helped overseas Chinese deliver both letters and money.
This created a special cultural system known as “silver and letter combined” (银信合一).
A Qiaopi was often carefully preserved by families because it represented much more than financial support. It carried the handwriting of a loved one, news from overseas, and the hopes of family members waiting at home.
In 2023, Qiaopi documents were inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognizing their historical and cultural importance.
The best way to experience Qiaopi Culture in Shantou is to combine museums, historic streets, and waterfront attractions.
A recommended route is:
Morning: Visit Shantou Qiaopi Cultural Relics Museum
Noon: Explore Shantou Small Park and taste Teochew snacks
Afternoon: Walk through Haiping Road Nanyang Street and experience the recreated overseas Chinese street scene
Sunset: Visit Xidi Park and enjoy the waterfront scenery
This route allows visitors to understand the history of migration while also enjoying Shantou’s historic architecture and local atmosphere.
Shantou Qiaopi Cultural Relics Museum is the first museum in China dedicated specifically to Qiaopi culture. Located in the historic opening port area, the museum houses more than 90,000 original Qiaopi documents, making it one of the most important collections related to overseas Chinese history. The museum is arranged across three floors, each focusing on a different aspect of Qiaopi culture.
The first floor introduces the historical background of overseas Chinese migration. Visitors can learn why so many people from Chaoshan traveled overseas and how Shantou became an important departure port. Old photographs, documents, and historical materials show the difficult journey of early migrants and their connection with their hometowns.
The second floor explains how the Qiaopi system operated. Visitors can learn about the role of remittance agencies and how letters and money traveled across the sea before modern communication technology existed. The exhibition helps visitors understand why Qiaopi was such an important bridge between overseas Chinese and their families.
The third floor focuses on interactive experiences. It includes themed scenes from the movie “A Letter to Grandma”, which tells stories inspired by Qiaopi culture. Visitors can also try writing their own Qiaopi-style letters and experience the feeling of communicating across time and distance. The museum is ideal for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Chaoshan’s overseas connections.
Opening information:
Free admission
Closed on Mondays
Visitors need to bring an ID card for entry registration
Because it is located in the Small Park area, it is easy to combine with nearby attractions.
For travelers who enjoy photography and immersive experiences, Haiping Road Nanyang Street is one of the newest cultural attractions in Shantou.
The street recreates the atmosphere of the old overseas Chinese trading era, including a 1:1 restoration of the historic Yufeng Yinxin Bureau (裕丰银信局).
Walking along the street feels like stepping back into the early 20th century. Traditional shop signs, old-style decorations, rickshaws, and Southeast Asian fruit stalls recreate the lively scenes of Shantou’s port period.
The area reflects the close relationship between Shantou and Southeast Asia. Many overseas Chinese returned through this port, bringing not only wealth but also new ideas, architecture, and cultural influences.
It is a great place to:
Take vintage-style photos
Learn about old remittance businesses
Experience the atmosphere of the old port city
Combine cultural sightseeing with a visit to nearby arcades
For visitors wearing traditional Chinese-style clothing, this area provides excellent photo opportunities.
After exploring the museums and old streets, Xidi Park is an ideal place to visit in the late afternoon.
Located along the waterfront, this park combines scenery with Qiaopi-themed cultural displays.
One of the highlights is the “River of Qiaopi Memories” landscape wall, where enlarged images of Qiaopi letters are integrated with flowing water. The design symbolizes how family memories traveled across oceans and generations.
The park also features memorial columns marking the distances between Shantou and overseas destinations where Chaoshan migrants once lived.
Another popular photo spot is the historic arcade building Fuyuan (馥园), where visitors can capture the combination of old architecture, river views, and sunset light.
At sunset, the waterfront creates a peaceful atmosphere. Standing by the sea, visitors can better understand the emotions behind those old letters — the longing of people separated by oceans and their hope of staying connected with home.
For visitors who want a more comprehensive cultural exhibition, the Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center is another excellent choice.
Located on Nanbin Road in Haojiang District, this large cultural complex introduces the history, traditions, and folk culture of the Chaoshan region.
One of the most impressive displays is the large-scale model of the Red-headed Boat (红头船).
These traditional boats played an important role in Chaoshan maritime history. Before modern transportation, many migrants departed from local ports on these vessels to begin their overseas journeys.
The exhibition covers:
Overseas Chinese migration history
Qiaopi archives
Chaoshan folk customs
Traditional crafts
Local intangible cultural heritage
Compared with the smaller museums in the old city area, this venue requires more time. Visitors should reserve around half a day if they want to explore it carefully.
Plan Around the Small Park Area
Most Qiaopi-related attractions are concentrated around Shantou Small Park and the old port district.
Visitors can easily walk between:
Shantou Qiaopi Cultural Relics Museum
Haiping Road Nanyang Street
Historic arcade buildings
Local food streets
The area is best explored slowly rather than rushed.
Best Transportation
For the Small Park area, public transportation is convenient.
You can take a bus to:
Shantou Kaibu Cultural Museum Station (汕头开埠文化馆站)
For the Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center in Haojiang District, taking a taxi or driving is more convenient.
Check Opening Information Before Visiting
Although most cultural attractions are free, opening hours may change during holidays.
It is recommended to check official tourism accounts before visiting, especially for museums and special exhibitions.
Combine Culture with Local Food
The Small Park area is also one of the best places in Shantou to try local specialties, including:
Teochew beef hot pot
Rice noodle rolls
Oyster omelet
Teochew desserts
Gongfu tea
A Qiaopi cultural tour combined with local food creates a complete Shantou experience.
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