On October 28th, Jieyang Ancient City came alive with the sound of gongs and drums as the Overseas Chinese Association Mansions opened to the public. More than 550 overseas Chinese of Teochew origin from 22 countries and regions returned to Jieyang, known as"the hometown of their ancestors," to take part in an event themed "Teochew Overseas Chinese Homeland Reunion" and reconnect with their roots. Fourteen Overseas Chinese Association Mansions in the first phase of Jieyang Chaoqiao Fang were completed and opened, while construction of the second phase began. The "Jieyang Overseas Economic, Trade and Cultural Service Center" and the "Home of Overseas Chinese" were also officially inaugurated.

Jieyang has a community of more than 7 million overseas Chinese, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and returned overseas Chinese and their family members. The overseas Chinese community has ties spanning five continents and more than 40 countries and regions. Statistics show that over the past three years, members of the overseas Chinese community have donated more than 360 million yuan to support local livelihood projects in Jieyang and invested over 3.3 billion yuan in the city.

The Jieyang Chaoqiao Fang was officially inaugurated that day, with 14 association mansions opening to the public in its first phase. The first phase covers 73 mu (approximately 4.87 hectares) and involves a total investment of 636 million yuan. It comprises 14 Overseas Chinese Association Mansions and the Chaoqiao Hall. Each association mansion and the Chaoqiao Hall were funded and built by their respective Teochew associations. Wu Haibing, president of the Canada Teochew Federation, told reporters that the organization had actively participated in the construction of the Canada Hall. He said the hall would serve as a showcase for the Canadian Teochew community in Jieyang Ancient City. He added that the organization would make full use of its overseas platforms and resources to promote Jieyang and its ancient city internationally.

That afternoon, a delegation of Chinese association leaders from China and abroad visited Jieyang Ancient City. Xima Road in Jieyang Ancient City served as a filming location for scenes depicting the Siam Inn and Chinatown in the movie "Dear You." Jieyang has faithfully recreated scenes from the film, created Siam Street, and opened "Grandma's Canteen," which serves local specialties such as "wumi guo" (Teochew chive dumplings). Other filming locations, including the stone bridge in Xiqi Village in Rongcheng District, Jiefang Road in Jiexi County, and the historic streets lined with Qilou (arcade buildings) in Jieyang Ancient City, have also become popular tourist spots.

During the event, the cultures and customs of the countries and regions where Teochew overseas Chinese reside were showcased at Chaoqiao Fang. More than 400 varieties of specialty products from these countries and regions were displayed and offered for sale alongside local specialties from Jieyang under the promotional label "Jieyang Quality Products."

The Jieyang Overseas Economic, Trade and Cultural Service Center, established at Chaoqiao Fang, brings together resources across foreign-related affairs, trade and commerce, culture and tourism, overseas Chinese affairs, legal services, and talent. It also facilitates connections and resource sharing within the overseas Chinese community. During the event, Jieyang appointed overseas Chinese association leaders of Teochew origin as investment promotion ambassadors to encourage overseas Chinese to channel capital, technology, and talent back to Jieyang for investment and business development.

潮籍华侨，回到了“阿嬷的故乡”

10月28日，揭阳古城锣鼓喧天，侨团会馆建成开放，来自22个国家和地区的550多位潮籍侨胞回到“阿嬷的故乡”——揭阳，参加“潮侨聚故里”主题活动，共叙桑梓情谊。当天，揭阳潮侨坊首期14个侨团会馆建成开放，二期会馆建设同步启动；“揭阳市海外经贸文化服务中心”“侨胞之家”等同步揭牌。

揭阳拥有海外华人华侨、港澳台同胞和归侨侨眷超700万人，侨脉遍布世界五大洲、40多个国家和地区。据统计，近三年来，揭阳涉侨民生捐赠超3.6亿元、侨胞回乡投资超33亿元。

揭阳潮侨坊于当日正式揭幕，开放首期14个会馆。据介绍，揭阳潮侨坊首期占地73亩、总投资6.36亿元，由14个侨团会馆及潮侨堂组成。潮侨坊的14个侨团会馆及潮侨堂均由相应潮籍侨团投资建设。加拿大潮属社团总会会长吴海冰在接受记者采访时表示，加拿大潮属社团总会积极参与建设加拿大馆，让会馆成为加拿大侨胞印在古城的一张亮丽名片，并将充分利用海外平台和资源，积极向海外推广揭阳、宣传揭阳古城。

当日下午，海内外侨领代表团走进揭阳古城。揭阳古城西马路是电影《给阿嬷的情书》中暹罗客栈、唐人街的取景地。揭阳原样复原电影场景，打造“暹罗街”，开办“阿嬷的食堂”，供应无米粿等特色吃食。此外，榕城西淇村石板桥、揭西解放路、揭阳古城骑楼老街等电影取景地也成为热门旅游打卡点。

活动期间，各侨住地风土人情在潮侨坊集中展陈。400多种来自潮侨所在国家和地区的特色产品集中展销，与“揭阳优品”家乡好物一同亮相。

依托潮侨坊设立的揭阳市海外经贸文化服务中心，整合了涉外、经贸、文旅、侨务、法律、人才等多方资源，畅通侨资源对接渠道。活动期间，揭阳还聘请潮籍侨领担任“招商大使”，引导侨界资本、技术、人才返乡兴业。

文丨记者 陈锴跃 姚志德 沈重光 张冰纯 许志鹏
翻译丨黄健新
审校丨曾敏