Shantou Launches Digital Campaign to Engage Overseas Chinese Communities

On July 18, 2026, the 'Understanding Overseas Chinese Hometowns: Shantou Chapter' event launched in Shantou, Guangdong. Attended by high-ranking officials from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and provincial leadership, the initiative involves 60 digital creators, including influencers and online novelists. Over four days, participants will tour historical sites and industrial zones to document the evolution of Shantou’s cultural legacy. The campaign aims to leverage digital platforms to strengthen ties with the global Chinese diaspora and showcase regional modernization through 'positive energy' narratives.

This event signals a high-level effort by Chinese cyberspace authorities to leverage social media influencers and digital creators to strengthen cultural ties with the overseas Chinese community and promote regional development narratives.

The 'Understanding Overseas Chinese Hometowns: Shantou Chapter' (读懂侨乡家国情·汕头篇) officially commenced in Shantou, Guangdong Province, on July 18, 2026. The event, which focuses on the intersection of cultural heritage and modern development, was attended by Yang Jianwen, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), and Hu Jinjun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and head of the Provincial Propaganda Department. The initiative brings together 60 participants, including social media influencers, online novelists, representatives from internet companies, and journalists from major news outlets. Over a four-day period, this group is scheduled to visit historical architectural sites associated with the 'overseas Chinese' (qiaoxiang) legacy, traditional villages, and modern industrial facilities. The goal is to document the 'era-defining changes' as the city’s century-old heritage integrates with modern urban upgrades. During the opening ceremony, speakers highlighted the role of digital media in preserving cultural memory. 'Thailand Sister V' (泰国V姐), a representative for online influencers, and the novelist A Pu (阿菩) shared perspectives on the contemporary value of hometown culture. Their presentations emphasized using 'online communication power' to revitalize historical memories and ensure that 'national sentiment' is passed down through generations. The program is organized by the China Internet Development Foundation and the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong, with local coordination provided by the Shantou Cyberspace Administration. More than 100 people attended the launch, including leaders from central and provincial departments, as well as prominent figures from the Teochew (Chaozhou) diaspora. By focusing on Shantou—a major ancestral home for millions of ethnic Chinese living abroad—the CAC aims to strengthen the emotional and cultural bonds between the mainland and the global diaspora through digital storytelling. The participants are expected to produce content that highlights both the preservation of 'overseas Chinese rhythm' and the city's current industrial momentum.