Chongqing—From handwritten letters sent across oceans decades ago to songs performed across borders today, overseas Chinese have changed how they stay connected with home —but the connection remains.
Earlier this year, the Chinese film Dear You (《给阿嬷的情书》), which tells the story of overseas Chinese families, handwritten letters, and memories of home, drew widespread attention in China. It brought the history of overseas Chinese migration and qiaopi, letters sent home by overseas Chinese, into a contemporary story.
A similar connection was reflected in Chongqing on Oct. 16, when the "Chongqing-Australia Harmony" International Cultural Exchange Concert brought together the Yangtze Choir from Australia and local performers at the Chongqing Guotai Arts Center.
The event was held as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. The Australian choir performed Chinese songs including The Night of the Desert, China Will Never Forget, Moon River and Huangyang Pole, before joining the Yuzhong District “Yinwei Youni” Women's Choir for Song of Singing and Smiling and The Same Song.
The Yangtze Choir from Australia performs at the concert.（Photo/Kang Zheng）
For many overseas Chinese, music is more than artistic expression. It can also help preserve cultural memories and a sense of connection to their ancestral homeland. As they build their lives and communities in Australia, overseas Chinese continue to maintain ties with China through choirs, cultural events, and exchanges.
"Overseas Chinese have traveled to different parts of the world and built their lives and careers there, while continuing to maintain connections with their ancestral homeland," said Li Xingjian, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yuzhong District Committee and head of its United Front Work Department.
Li called on overseas Chinese to continue serving as bridges for economic, cultural and talent exchanges between China and the countries where they live.
Li Xingjian, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yuzhong District Committee and head of its United Front Work Department, delivers a speech at the concert.(Photo/Kang Zheng）
Such connections are also part of the broader work of China's overseas Chinese organizations. In 2026, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese marks its 70th anniversary. Over the years, it has maintained connections with overseas Chinese communities while promoting cultural exchanges and programs for young people of Chinese heritage.
In Chongqing, overseas Chinese networks have expanded beyond cultural activities to include business, talent, and international exchanges. The city has established links with overseas Chinese organizations and enterprises in multiple countries and regions, and has organized programs such as the "Roots-Seeking Journey in China" to bring young people of Chinese heritage to Chongqing to experience Chinese culture and learn more about their ancestral hometown.
As voices from Australia and Chongqing came together on the same stage, the concert offered a glimpse into how cultural ties can endure across generations and geographical distance. Beyond music, these connections are also creating channels for broader cultural, business, and talent exchanges between China and the world.