Historic overseas Chinese remittance letters showcased in Shanghai

Dozens of original overseas Chinese remittance letters, known as "qiaopi", went on display at the China Securities Museum on June 5, offering a glimpse into the stories of Chinese emigrants who ventured to Southeast Asia.

The exhibition coincides with the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and forms part of Hongkou district's international archives day activities.

Dating from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), qiaopi combined personal correspondence with money transfers. The UNESCO Memory of the World Register recognized these archives in 2013 for their historical significance.

"Each overseas Chinese who ventured abroad left behind a grandmother waiting at home," said Yang Yuhuan, an Indonesian returnee in her 80s.

"They waited day and night, worrying about their husbands, children and brothers far away in Southeast Asia. Every word in these letters carries family longing and the thoughts of those adrift in foreign lands."

The letters reveal the harsh realities emigrants faced. Li Jinglai, another returnee, reflected on his family's experience.