Dear You movie sparks interest in China heritage tours, say travel agencies

A recent cinematic hit is sparking a surge in heritage travel, with the popular Chinese film "Dear You" inspiring Singaporeans to explore their ancestral roots. The movie, which chronicles the 1940s migration of Teochew people from China to Southeast Asia, has resonated deeply, leading to a significant increase in inquiries for tours to China.

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This movie has made people reminisce and feel nostalgic. Its influence goes beyond those with roots in Chaoshan.

Travel agencies have reported a 15 to 20 percent rise in interest for trips to the Chaoshan region in Guangdong, where the film was shot, and other southern Chinese cities. One agency, China Express Travel, has already fully booked a six-day tour to Chaoshan next month, with limited spaces remaining for similar packages. These tours offer visits to filming locations and authentic cultural experiences like the Yingge dance.

Li Liang Yi, founder of China Express Travel, noted that the film evokes nostalgia and connects with a broad audience, including newer immigrants to Singapore. Many are motivated to visit their ancestral hometowns, reconnect with relatives, and observe changes in their ancestral lands. The film's success, with over 1.7 billion yuan grossed in China and strong demand for its Teochew dialect version in Singapore, underscores its cultural impact.

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Many have been inspired to visit their ancestral hometowns to connect with long lost relatives or see how the places have changed.

In response to the growing demand, travel companies like EU Holidays are introducing specialized heritage and homecoming tours. These itineraries aim to provide a more meaningful travel experience, incorporating activities such as ancestral research and opportunities to meet relatives in China. One tour even includes writing a letter to a grandmother, echoing a poignant theme from the film, designed to offer a deeper connection to heritage.

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