A Beijing exhibition showcases Dear You film props alongside historic Qiaopi letters, revealing the lives, memories and cultural heritage of overseas Chinese.
Props from the hit Chinese film Dear You are now on display alongside historic Qiaopi (letters and remittances sent by overseas Chinese to their families in China) at the Overseas Chinese History Museum of China in Beijing.
The exhibition opened on July 10th. It brings together more than 70 film props and museum artefacts to tell the story of overseas Chinese communities. Visitors can see traditional Chaoshan folk objects, everyday items once used by Chinese migrants in Southeast Asia and original Qiaopi that carried both money and family news across the sea.
In addition, the exhibition recreates several memorable scenes from the film. These include a Chinese-language classroom founded by migrant workers, Nan Zhi’s rice cake stall and a historic Qiaopi agency where families exchanged letters and remittances.
The exhibition also highlights the importance of Chinese-language education among overseas Chinese communities. Besides early Chinese-language textbooks, it features several Qiaopi that encouraged younger generations to continue their studies despite difficult circumstances. Together, these letters show how overseas Chinese preserved their language and cultural traditions while staying connected with their hometowns.
Visitors can also take part in interactive activities. They can copy traditional Qiaopi, write their own messages and post them as keepsakes.
If you liked this article, why not read: Why Has Chinese Movie Dear You Become an Unexpected Hit?
