In an insightful interview with Chen Ruobo, the Deputy Director of the Quanzhou Archives, he shared his vision for highlighting the rich history of “qiaobi,” or letters from overseas Chinese, in a way that appeals to younger audiences. “My aim is to present this significant cultural heritage through aesthetics that resonate with young people, making qiaobi culture more visible and relevant today,” he expressed.
This past June, the Quanzhou Archives launched an innovative project centered on “qiaobi,” introducing two characters: “A Pizi,” modeled after the dedicated postmen who traverse great distances to deliver these letters, and “Little Qiao Mei,” symbolizing the family members eagerly awaiting news from abroad. A Pizi, adorned with a straw hat, embodies the spirit of connection between families separated by oceans.
Renowned classical scholar Rao Zongyi has lauded qiaobi as the “Dunhuang of Overseas Chinese History.” The term itself derives from the Minnan dialect, where “bi” translates to “letter.” It refers to the correspondence and remittances sent back home by overseas Chinese, representing a unique blend of familial communication that encompasses both letters and financial support, while carrying heartfelt emotions from expatriates to their loved ones.
“These archives are invaluable grassroots documents,” highlighted Liu Bozi, a qiaobi research expert and Deputy Secretary-General of the Quanzhou Overseas Chinese History Society. “They serve as an encyclopedia for the Chinese diaspora.” While many qiaobi feature straightforward messages assuring family members of safety, Liu noted that these seemingly mundane stories create a vivid tapestry reflecting the diverse experiences of overseas Chinese throughout history.
The profound sentiment of homesickness, as expressed in the song “Guo Fan Ge,” strikes a chord with overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. The term “bi xin,” or “qiaobi,” not only serves as a crucial link between expatriates and their families but also acts as a catalyst for the growth of their communities.
Typically written in a vertical style with elegant wording, qiaobi envelopes often showcase names and locations in English, while the letters themselves are predominantly in Chinese, filled with expressions of care and longing. Liu Bozi emphasized that qiaobi go beyond chronicling mundane family matters; they also encapsulate narratives related to significant historical events.
As one of China’s most prominent overseas Chinese communities, Quanzhou has long served as a major hub for qiaobi. More than a century ago, many individuals from southern Fujian ventured to Southeast Asia—countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia—in search of prosperity. In an age of limited communication, sending qiaobi became a vital means for expatriates to share their news and send money home.
The struggles faced by overseas Chinese are poignantly illustrated in their letters. One such letter from Shi Nengqi, a Chinese expatriate in the Philippines, recounts, “In the early days of setting up my gold shop, I faced funding shortages. I had to cook simple meals for my family, and our total food expenses barely exceeded twenty yuan for the month.”
Additionally, qiaobi encapsulates tender exchanges between spouses. In a heartfelt letter to his wife Liu, residing in South An’s Shishan, a Philippine expatriate named Xie Huilun openly expressed his longing: “My beloved Liu, it has been two years since we parted, and you are deeply missed…”
During wartime, these letters also highlighted the emotional ties overseas Chinese retained with their homeland. A qiaobi from brothers Cai Huai Fan and Cai Huai Zi documented their journey of building a home titled “Embracing the Motherland,” detailing requests for their wives to secure land for its construction and providing regular updates on the building process through blueprints sent home.
“Beyond their role as letters or financial transfers, qiaobi exemplify an artistry of calligraphy, classical artwork, and postal markings, representing another facet of overseas Chinese craftsmanship,” Liu Bozi remarked. Over the years, many descendants of overseas Chinese in Quanzhou have meticulously preserved their qiaobi, facilitating data collection for systematic studies.
In 2013, the “Qiaobi Archives — Remittances from Overseas Chinese” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, providing essential avenues for their protection and preservation. Today, an array of cultural productions inspired by qiaobi culture, including documentaries, operas, and theatrical works, vividly illuminate the mostly untold histories behind these letters.
Recently, Quanzhou has been actively exploring innovative applications for qiaobi, from hosting themed literary competitions to transforming the former residence of overseas Chinese leader Chen Guangchun into the Quanzhou Qiaobi Museum. The introduction of bilingual original songs and themed products related to qiaobi reflects a refreshing vigor and creativity in developing the qiaobi brand.
