Since its recent release in Singapore, the Chinese film 'Dear You' has not only performed strongly at the box office but also inspired many to explore their ancestral roots through heritage tours in China, particularly in the Chaoshan region where the film was shot.
- Travel enquiries to Chaoshan rise by over 15%
- Film’s Teochew roots inspire heritage and homecoming tours
- Tour agencies include cultural activities and ancestral research
What happened
The film 'Dear You' has become a sleeper hit, grossing more than 1.7 billion yuan (S$322 million) in China and sparking strong interest in Singapore and the region after its premiere in June. The story, featuring dialogue largely in the Teochew dialect, follows a grandson’s search for his grandfather and highlights the journey of Teochew migrants to Southeast Asia in the 1940s.
Tour operators in Singapore have observed at least a 15 per cent increase in enquiries for trips to the Chaoshan region, where the movie was filmed. Some tours focusing on the film’s locations and local customs have quickly sold out, reflecting a growing desire among travellers to engage more deeply with the heritage and culture behind the story.
Why it feels good
The film’s strong nostalgic and cultural appeal taps into personal and collective memories among audiences, especially those with roots in Chaoshan or southern China. For many, it is a chance to reconnect with long-lost relatives or explore their family’s past in a meaningful way beyond typical sightseeing.
Tour planners emphasize that these trips offer more than travel; they invite visitors to participate in local traditions like the Yingge dance and even write letters to loved ones, promoting deeper emotional connections and a sense of belonging. This approach resonates with contemporary travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you’re inspired by 'Dear You,' consider joining heritage tours to Chaoshan to visit movie filming sites, partake in cultural activities, and experience the region's vibrant folk traditions. Travel agencies are also developing additional packages highlighting ancestral research and homecoming themes tailored to personal family histories.
For those unable to visit soon, watching the original Teochew or Mandarin-dubbed versions of 'Dear You' offers insight into the region’s migration stories and culture. Keep an eye out for more travel experiences linking cinema and heritage as this trend grows, blending storytelling with meaningful journeys.