The Reel Road to China: How ‘Dear You’ Has Reawakened the Timeless Charm of Jieyang, Guangdong

Image generated with Ai

The 2026 family drama’s stunning box office success and deep emotional impact have unleashed an unparalleled surge of cultural wanderlust across China. Dear You, Directed by Lan Hongchun, this low-budget indie gem set against the deeply rooted traditions of Chaoshan has captured the hearts of millions, earning a rare 9.1 rating on review platform Douban. This heartrending tale, exploring themes of love between family members, decades of devotion and the history of the qiaopi (overseas remittance letters) sent home by Cantonese emigrants, is beautifully grounded in real landscapes. This has dramatically transformed the historic prefecture of Jieyang in eastern Guangdong Province into a bustling tourism hotspot. Audiences are no longer just watching the story unfold on the screen; rather, travellers are drawn to the physical sources of the film to experience the evocative settings firsthand.

A Journey Through Time in Yangqi and Xiqi Villages

The nostalgic rural scenery that defines the visual poetry of Dear You is found within the preservation of Jieyang’s traditional settlements. Deep cultural exploration is offered to visitors by Yangqi Village, where the highly recognizable “Sacred Tree” featured prominently in the film is located. This ancient, sprawling tree has become a central pilgrimage site for movie enthusiasts, where quiet contemplation and photography are enjoyed beneath its historic canopy. Not far away, the rustic allure of Xiqi Village continues to enchant passing explorers. A spectacular surge in foot traffic has been experienced by Xiqi’s iconic stone bridges, which span tranquil local waterways. These locations are frequented by enthusiastic sightseers who are eager to recreate the memorable flag-lifting scenes and dramatic moments originally performed by the film’s cast.

Immersion in the Elegance of Nostalgic Traditions

A sensory portal into the past is provided by the local culture of Jieyang, which has been revitalized by the cinematic spotlight. The timeless architectural heritage of the Chaoshan region is showcased through winding stone paths, grey brick walls, and old courtyard mansions that have stood resiliently for generations. A unique atmospheric experience is enjoyed by travellers, many of whom choose to dress in traditional qipao or period-accurate attire to wander through these historic backdrops. By blending into the local environment, an authentic connection to the film’s mid-20th-century aesthetic is achieved by modern wanderers. The slow-paced lifestyle of eastern Guangdong is beautifully complemented by daily rituals, including the meticulous preparation of local Kung Fu tea and the captivating rhythms of regional folk performances, ensuring that every visitor is thoroughly immersed in the area’s living history.

Tracing the Footsteps of Ancestral Wanderer History

Beyond its visual splendour, a profound historical narrative is carried by Jieyang, one that is deeply tied to the xia nanyang phenomenon—the historical migration of Chaoshan ancestors to Southeast Asia. The emotional core of the film is centred around qiaopi, the combined letters and financial remittances that served as a vital spiritual and economic lifeline for families left behind. This unique postal heritage, inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, is being actively explored by heritage tourists. Local exhibition spaces and historic residential structures, such as the well-preserved Pengcheng Old Residence and the artsy Xiaoyou Shanfang social space, are being integrated into regional travel itineraries. Through these historical landmarks, the collective memories of struggle, resilience, and unyielding patriotism that defined the overseas Chinese experience are vividly pieced together by modern explorers.

Experiencing the Spiritual and Culinary Pulse of Jieyang

No trip down this newly celebrated cinematic map is complete without a journey into the broader cultural riches rooted in Jieyang’s Rongcheng District. An unforgettable evening excursion is Shuangfeng Temple, a magnificent architectural wonder dating from the Song Dynasty over 800 years ago. This grand courtyard-style structure features flying eaves and elaborate brick carvings, and after dusk, it becomes a magical sanctuary bathed in light, where gentle echoes of the “Evening Bell at Shuangfeng” can be enjoyed. And the rich culinary identity of Guangdong is celebrated in local delicacies that are keenly sampled by visitors. The rich heritage of Jieyang is not only seen and felt but also savoured through regional gastronomy, from the famous marinated Shitou (lion-head) goose to authentic Chaoshan pickled olives. Thanks to the enduring popularity of Dear You, this beautiful corner of Guangdong has become a top destination, where screen culture and classic travel exploration are perfectly fused.