A Letter to Grandma Film Locations Travel Guide｜Chaoshan (Shantou, Chaozhou & Jieyang) Movie Tour with Yaso Trip

A Letter to Grandma（《给阿嬷的情书》） is a Chaoshan family-themed film that presents the emotional memories, hometown connections, and traditional lifestyle of southern Guangdong. Through a touching family story, the movie recreates the historical background of Chaoshan overseas migration and shows how ordinary families maintained emotional connections across oceans through letters, remittances, and family traditions.

The film focuses on the relationship between hometown and overseas Chinese communities, using authentic Chaoshan language, traditional architecture, local cuisine, folk customs, and historical neighborhoods as important parts of the story. Instead of relying on dramatic effects, it highlights the emotions of ordinary people and the deep cultural identity of the Chaoshan region.

For travelers, the film provides a unique cultural travel route covering Shantou（汕头）, Chaozhou（潮州）, and Jieyang（揭阳）, three cities that represent the historical, cultural, and economic heart of the Chaoshan area.

Qiaopi Culture（侨批文化） and the Historical Memory Behind the Film

Letters Connecting Chaoshan and Southeast Asia

The core cultural background of the film comes from Qiaopi（侨批）, a special form of overseas Chinese correspondence that combined family letters with money transfers.

From the late Qing Dynasty to the early 20th century, many people from Chaoshan traveled overseas to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to seek opportunities and support their families. Because long-distance communication was difficult at that time, Qiaopi became the emotional bridge between overseas Chinese and their hometown families.

Each letter recorded not only financial support but also personal emotions, family concerns, and memories of home. Behind every Qiaopi was a story of separation, hope, and responsibility.

The film uses this historical background to show the strong family values of Chaoshan people and the lasting connection between overseas Chinese communities and their ancestral hometowns.

Chaoshan Traditional Culture Presented in the Film

The movie recreates many elements of traditional Chaoshan culture, including ancient houses, ancestral halls, overseas Chinese residences, Gongfu tea, traditional food, and village life.

The architecture reflects the importance of family and ancestry in Chaoshan society. Traditional houses such as Chaoshan Ancient Houses（潮汕古厝） and Four-Point Golden Houses（四点金） were not only living spaces but also symbols of family history.

Food and tea culture are also important parts of the film. Through daily scenes, viewers can experience the unique lifestyle of Chaoshan people, where meals, tea gatherings, and family conversations are closely connected.

Shantou（汕头） Film Locations｜Overseas Chinese Heritage and Old Port Culture

Tangxi Village（塘西村）, Dongli Town（东里镇）, Chenghai District（澄海区）

Tangxi Village（塘西村） is one of the important filming locations of A Letter to Grandma（《给阿嬷的情书》）. The traditional village environment preserves the authentic atmosphere of old Chaoshan communities, with ancient houses, narrow lanes, courtyards, and family spaces that reflect the lifestyle of previous generations.

Walking through the village, visitors can experience the original rural atmosphere of Chaoshan. Unlike highly commercialized tourist areas, Tangxi Village（塘西村） remains a living village where local residents continue their traditional lifestyle.

The village is suitable for travelers interested in traditional architecture, photography, and cultural exploration. Visitors can observe courtyard layouts, decorative details, and the relationship between local buildings and family traditions.

Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall（起凤陈公祠）, Tangxi Village（塘西村）

Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall（起凤陈公祠） represents the combination of Chaoshan ancestral culture and overseas Chinese architectural influences.

Many overseas Chinese families returned to their hometowns and built impressive ancestral halls using wealth and ideas brought back from Southeast Asia. These buildings reflect both traditional Chinese values and international cultural exchange.

The ancestral hall features delicate architectural decoration, traditional layouts, and unique visual details, making it a meaningful stop for visitors exploring Chaoshan family culture.

Small Park Historical Area（小公园开埠区）, Shantou（汕头）

Small Park Historical Area（小公园开埠区） is the historical center of Shantou and one of the most representative urban cultural areas in Chaoshan.

As an important trading port, Shantou developed strong connections with overseas markets. The old streets preserve large numbers of arcade buildings, historic shops, and overseas Chinese commercial architecture.

Visitors can walk through the old streets and experience the atmosphere of the former port city while discovering local food and cultural landmarks.

The area is especially attractive in the evening when the historic buildings are illuminated. Travelers can combine movie sightseeing with local experiences such as Chaoshan beef hotpot, oyster omelet, rice noodles, and traditional desserts.

Chen Cihong Former Residence（陈慈黉故居）, Chenghai District（澄海区）

Chen Cihong Former Residence（陈慈黉故居） is one of Guangdong’s most famous overseas Chinese residences and an important symbol of Chaoshan migration history.

The large architectural complex combines traditional Chinese courtyard design with Western architectural elements. It reflects the prosperity of overseas Chinese merchants and the cultural exchange between Chaoshan and Southeast Asia.

Visitors can explore historic buildings, family halls, gardens, and decorative details while learning about the history of overseas Chinese communities.

Jieyang（揭阳） Film Locations｜Ancient Villages and Local Memories

Yangqi Village（洋淇村）, Denggang Town（登岗镇）

Yangqi Village（洋淇村） provides an authentic rural background for the film.

The village preserves ancient banyan trees, traditional houses, village temples, and quiet lanes. It represents the traditional countryside environment where many Chaoshan families lived for generations.

The village is suitable for slow travel, photography, and cultural observation. Visitors can experience the peaceful rhythm of rural Chaoshan and understand how local communities developed around family, agriculture, and traditional customs.

Xiqi Village Stone Bridge（西淇村石板桥）, Denggang Town（登岗镇）

Xiqi Village Stone Bridge（西淇村石板桥） is another memorable filming location.

The historic stone bridge, surrounded by farmland and traditional village scenery, reflects the relationship between people and their hometown landscape.

This location is ideal for travelers who enjoy countryside photography and cultural walking tours. The simple rural environment provides a strong contrast with modern urban life.

Jieyang Ancient City（揭阳古城）

Jieyang Ancient City（揭阳古城） is the historical and cultural center of Jieyang.

The old city preserves traditional streets, temples, ancient buildings, and local commercial areas. It reflects the everyday life and cultural traditions of eastern Chaoshan.

Important attractions include:

Jinxian Gate Tower（进贤门）

Jinxian Gate Tower（进贤门） is one of the symbols of Jieyang Ancient City（揭阳古城）. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the historic gate represents the city’s connection with education and traditional culture.

Visitors can enjoy views of the old streets and experience the atmosphere of the ancient city.

Jieyang Confucian Temple（揭阳学宫）

Jieyang Confucian Temple（揭阳学宫） is one of the largest and best-preserved Confucian temples in Guangdong.

The red walls, traditional architecture, and historical atmosphere make it an important cultural attraction for visitors interested in education, Chinese philosophy, and ancient architecture.

West Horse Road（西马路）

West Horse Road（西马路） preserves the local lifestyle of old Jieyang.

The street is a good place to experience traditional snacks, old shops, and everyday Chaoshan culture.

Mianhu Ancient Town（棉湖古镇）, Jiexi County（揭西县）

Mianhu Ancient Town（棉湖古镇） preserves traditional commercial streets and local handicraft traditions.

The old streets represent the historical trading atmosphere of western Jieyang and provide visitors with opportunities to experience traditional food, markets, and local culture.

Chaozhou（潮州） Film Locations｜Ancient City and Cultural Heritage

Taifo Temple（泰佛殿）, Chaozhou（潮州）

Taifo Temple（泰佛殿） is one of the most visually distinctive filming locations.

The temple features Thai-style architecture, golden decorations, and Southeast Asian design elements, reflecting the historical relationship between Chaoshan and Southeast Asia.

The location is popular among photographers because it creates an exotic atmosphere and highlights the cultural connections created by overseas migration.

Longhu Ancient Village（龙湖古寨）, Chaozhou（潮州）

Longhu Ancient Village（龙湖古寨） is a historic village with a long cultural tradition.

The village preserves traditional ancestral halls, ancient houses, wood carvings, stone carvings, and decorative porcelain art. It represents the family-centered social structure of traditional Chaoshan communities.

Visitors can explore the village on foot, discover old buildings, and learn about local traditions.

Guangji Bridge（广济桥） and Chaozhou Ancient City（潮州古城）

Guangji Bridge（广济桥） is one of the most famous landmarks in Chaozhou and a symbol of the city’s history.

Together with Chaozhou Ancient City（潮州古城）, Kaiyuan Temple（开元寺）, and Paifang Street（牌坊街）, it forms the core cultural tourism area of Chaozhou.

The evening light show around Guangji Bridge（广济桥） is one of the most popular experiences for visitors. Walking along the Han River, travelers can enjoy the combination of ancient architecture, river scenery, and traditional city atmosphere.

A Letter to Grandma Film-Themed Chaoshan Travel Routes

3-Day Classic Film Location Tour

Day 1: Shantou Overseas Chinese Heritage Route

Start the journey in Shantou（汕头） with a visit to Tangxi Village（塘西村） and Qifeng Chen Ancestral Hall（起凤陈公祠）. Explore traditional villages, ancestral culture, and overseas Chinese architecture.

In the afternoon, visit Chen Cihong Former Residence（陈慈黉故居） to understand the history of Chaoshan merchants and overseas migration.

In the evening, explore Small Park Historical Area（小公园开埠区）, enjoy local food, and experience the atmosphere of old Shantou.

Stay overnight in Shantou（汕头）.

Day 2: Jieyang Ancient City and Rural Culture Route

Visit Yangqi Village（洋淇村） and Xiqi Village Stone Bridge（西淇村石板桥） in the morning to experience traditional village landscapes.

In the afternoon, explore Jieyang Ancient City（揭阳古城）, including Jinxian Gate Tower（进贤门）, Jieyang Confucian Temple（揭阳学宫）, and West Horse Road（西马路）.

Taste local snacks and continue to Chaozhou（潮州）.

Stay overnight near Chaozhou Ancient City（潮州古城）.

Day 3: Chaozhou Cultural Heritage Route

Visit Taifo Temple（泰佛殿） and Longhu Ancient Village（龙湖古寨） in the morning.

In the afternoon, explore Guangji Bridge（广济桥）, Kaiyuan Temple（开元寺）, and Paifang Street（牌坊街）.

Finish the journey with Gongfu tea and traditional Chaozhou cuisine.

Travel Tips for A Letter to Grandma Film Tour

Transportation Guide

The most convenient way to explore the three cities is:

Chaoshan Railway Station（潮汕站） → Shantou（汕头） → Jieyang（揭阳） → Chaozhou（潮州）

Because many filming locations are located in villages, private cars, chartered vehicles, or customized tours are recommended.

Approximate travel times:

• Chaoshan Railway Station（潮汕站） to Chaozhou Ancient City（潮州古城）: about 30 minutes
• Chaozhou（潮州） to Shantou（汕头）: about 40 minutes
• Chaozhou（潮州） to Jieyang（揭阳）: about 40 minutes

Accommodation Recommendations

Shantou（汕头）

Travelers focusing on overseas Chinese history should stay near Small Park Historical Area（小公园开埠区）, where historic streets, restaurants, and cultural attractions are within walking distance.

Chaozhou（潮州）

The ancient city area is the best choice for cultural travelers. Visitors can easily reach Guangji Bridge（广济桥）, Paifang Street（牌坊街）, Kaiyuan Temple（开元寺）, and traditional restaurants.

Jieyang（揭阳）

The city center is convenient for exploring Jieyang Ancient City（揭阳古城） and nearby rural filming locations.

Best Travel Seasons

Spring from March to May and autumn from October to December are the best seasons for a Chaoshan film-themed journey.

The comfortable weather is ideal for walking through ancient villages, photographing historic buildings, exploring old streets, and experiencing local food culture.

A journey following A Letter to Grandma（《给阿嬷的情书》） is more than a movie location tour. It is a cultural exploration of Chaoshan’s overseas Chinese history, traditional architecture, family traditions, and regional cuisine, offering travelers a deeper understanding of one of southern China’s most distinctive cultural areas.