“Made in Guangdong” film Love Letter to Grandma has achieved new success. With box office revenue surpassing 1.6 billion yuan, an official global release announcement, and currently ranking second in the 2026 annual box office, this “buzz” is no accident on Guangdong’s journey to build a stronger cultural province. It represents a concrete facet of Lingnan culture’s continuous inheritance and innovation.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that Chinese-style modernization cannot be separated from the inheritance and promotion of excellent traditional culture. Guangdong has deeply studied and implemented Xi Jinping’s cultural thoughts, adhered to the “two combinations,” and practiced the principle of prioritizing protection and inheritance. Guangdong has followed the guidance to “let cities retain memories and let people remember nostalgia,” promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of Lingnan culture.

Looking back at Love Letter to Grandma, its value goes far beyond commercial numbers; it acts as an amplified “cultural signal.” When a piece of overseas Chinese remittance letter or a call of “Grandma” resonates with audiences nationwide and worldwide, it indicates that Lingnan culture is undergoing some “new changes.”

We have delved into the front lines to explore the “new changes” taking place in Lingnan culture:

In the “grassroots donations” at the Guangzhou National Version Museum, we understand the “new connotations” of Lingnan culture;

Connecting Love Letter to Grandma with the exploration of Guangdong-produced films, we see the “new expressions” of Lingnan culture;

By opening up “100 Guangdong Trendy Towns” and reporting on the overseas journey of “Canton goods,” we capture the “new value” of Lingnan culture;

On international stages like APEC and the Canton Fair, the rising “Lingnan IP” is fostering “new consensus” in cultural exchange.

This creative transformation and innovative development of Lingnan culture continuously strengthens the cultural foundation of Guangdong’s practice of Chinese-style modernization.

New Connotations

The overseas Chinese migration history and family-nation stories hidden in a family letter

The “new connotations” of Lingnan culture in the new era become concrete in a donation list at the Guangzhou National Version Museum. Recently, the museum released data showing that since its opening in July 2022, as of the end of March this year, collectors from all walks of life have donated over 930,000 volumes/items of versions. A group of private collectors is redefining what it means to “help the world when one is successful” through repeated acts of donation. They use the most practical grassroots perspective to continuously interact with the most down-to-earth and vibrant essence of current Lingnan culture.

When I received the list of donors to the Guangzhou National Version Museum, I immediately spotted collector Ke Zhenqing’s resume among a dozen documents: he had donated 700 pieces of overseas Chinese remittance archives alone, a remarkable achievement. Driven by professional instinct, I called him immediately, not only securing an interview but also opening a door: stepping into the stories behind the remittance letters, the overseas Chinese migration history and family-nation memories hidden in a family letter.

During the writing process, what moved me most was not the dramatic past behind the remittance letters, nor the intertextuality between the film and historical materials, but the unreserved support these private collectors gave to the national version cause. Donor representatives like Ke Zhenqing and Wang Heng are vivid, real individuals, and their stories are the most lively annotations of Lingnan’s humanistic depth today.

The variety of their donated collections far exceeded expectations: spanning a century of remittance letters from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, various old letters, porcelain and enamel, ancient books and newspapers, old-style matchbox labels, vinyl records, antique record players… The range is vast, from rare treasured editions and national-level cultural relics to everyday old documents passed down through generations in ordinary Lingnan families. As Ke Zhenqing said: “Don’t underestimate even a yellowed piece of paper or a damaged family letter in your hands. Every document scattered among the people is an indispensable piece of the puzzle of Chinese civilization.”

During the interview

Guangzhou National Version Museum

The Guangzhou National Version Museum, located in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse heritage of written and printed works, including books, manuscripts, and digital media. Its history is tied to China’s broader effort to safeguard national cultural heritage, with the museum serving as a regional hub for the collection, research, and exhibition of version-related artifacts. Officially opened in recent years, it highlights the evolution of text and printing technologies in China, reflecting the country’s rich literary and intellectual traditions.

Lingnan culture

Lingnan culture refers to the regional culture of the Lingnan area in southern China, primarily encompassing Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, shaped by the area’s subtropical climate, maritime trade, and migration from central China, blending indigenous traditions with influences from overseas. Known for its distinctive cuisine, Cantonese opera, architecture, and the Lingnan school of painting, this culture emphasizes practicality, openness, and a strong connection to the sea.

100 Guangdong Trendy Towns

“100 Guangdong Trendy Towns” is a tourism initiative launched by the Guangdong provincial government to promote 100 distinctive towns across the province, each showcasing unique cultural heritage, modern creativity, or local industries. These towns blend traditional Lingnan architecture and customs with contemporary art, design, and lifestyle trends. The project aims to revitalize rural areas and boost tourism by highlighting the region’s diverse history and innovative spirit.

Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a major biannual trade event held in Guangzhou, China. Established in 1957, it is one of the oldest and largest trade fairs in the world, serving as a vital platform for Chinese businesses to connect with international buyers. Over the decades, it has played a key role in China’s economic opening and global trade expansion.

APEC

APEC, or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to promote free trade and economic cooperation among 21 member economies around the Pacific Rim. Its history began as a response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies, with the first ministerial meeting held in Canberra, Australia. Today, APEC serves as a key platform for dialogue on trade, investment, and sustainable development, though it operates through non-binding commitments rather than formal treaties.

Canton goods

“Canton goods” refers to the high-quality Chinese products, particularly porcelain, silk, and tea, that were exported through the port of Canton (now Guangzhou) during the 18th and 19th centuries. This trade flourished under the Canton System (1757–1842), which restricted all foreign maritime commerce to the port, making it a vital hub for cultural and economic exchange between China and the West. The term later became synonymous with fine craftsmanship and exotic luxury items in Europe and America.

overseas Chinese remittance archives

The Overseas Chinese Remittance Archives refer to the historical records of money and letters sent by Chinese emigrants abroad to their families in China, primarily from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. These archives document the economic and emotional ties between overseas Chinese and their homeland, reflecting their struggles and contributions. In 2013, they were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, recognizing their global significance in migration and cultural history.

Guangdong

Guangdong is a coastal province in southern China, historically significant as a major center for trade and cultural exchange, particularly through the port city of Guangzhou. It was a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and played a pivotal role in modern Chinese history, including the Opium Wars and the early revolutionary activities of Sun Yat-sen. Today, Guangdong is known for its vibrant Cantonese culture, cuisine, and economic dynamism as a manufacturing and technology hub.