Ke Zhenqing, secretary-general of the Shantou Collectors Association. [Photo/Nanfang Daily]

In a significant cultural contribution, Ke Zhenqing, secretary-general of the Shantou Collectors Association in Shantou city in South China’s Guangdong province, has donated 700 "qiaopi" archives to the China National Archives of Publications and Culture Guangdong Branch.

"Qiaopi" refers to handwritten letters and remittances once sent home by overseas Chinese migrants to their families in southern China. These archives, ranging from the 1900s to the 2000s and sent from countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand to the Chaoshan region in Guangdong, are invaluable records of the emotional and financial exchanges between overseas Chinese and their families back home.

The popular movie of this year, Dear You, which centers on "qiaopi", has captivated audiences by depicting the enduring bonds of Chaoshan emigrants. Ke, however, believes that the real-life "qiaopi" are even more poignant, serving as authentic narratives of the hardships and hopes of Chinese people emigrating to other countries. He describes these documents as "real love letters," filled with warmth and hardship.

Ke emphasizes that the true value of "qiaopi" lies not in the paper itself but in the stories of loyalty, patriotism, and familial love they encapsulate. They are a testament to the perseverance and spirit of ordinary people, reflecting the timeless connection between family and homeland.

Ke calls on more private collectors to contribute to the national heritage by donating their collections, thus preserving historical memory and allowing future generations to connect with their cultural roots. He believes that these contributions have an irreplaceable value in enriching the nation's cultural legacy.