Qiaopi

Qiaopi (侨批), also known as overseas Chinese correspondence or silver letters, refers to remittances and letters sent by overseas Chinese to their families and hometowns in China, particularly during the late Qing dynasty and the Republican era (roughly from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century).

These were more than just simple postal letters; they represented a vital lifeline for many families left behind. The Qiaopi system was a complex network involving specialized agencies, called "Qiaopi bureaus" or "silver letter firms," that handled the secure transfer of money and correspondence. These bureaus operated with a high degree of trust and reliability, acting as both financial institutions and communication centers.

The contents of Qiaopi typically included not only monetary remittances but also news from abroad, personal messages, and instructions from the sender regarding the family's affairs. They served as a crucial link between overseas Chinese communities and their ancestral villages, fostering a sense of connection and contributing significantly to the local economies.

The Qiaopi system was especially prevalent in regions of southern China, such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan provinces, which historically had large populations of overseas emigrants. They played a vital role in supporting rural development, providing education for children, and sustaining families during times of hardship.

Today, Qiaopi documents are recognized as important historical artifacts, offering valuable insights into the lives of overseas Chinese, their contributions to their homeland, and the social and economic conditions of the time. They provide a tangible link to the past and are studied by historians, anthropologists, and researchers interested in migration, diaspora, and transnational connections. Numerous archives and museums are dedicated to preserving and studying Qiaopi collections.