Chaoshan Culture Goes Mainstream in Chinese Cinema

Once marginalized, Chaoshan culture is now experiencing a resurgence in Chinese cinema, reflecting a broader shift in how regional identity and tradition are valued in China. The article explores how films set in the Chaoshan region, such as the hit movie "The Wandering Earth 2," have brought Teochew language, cuisine, and customs to national and global audiences. This cultural revival is tied to state-sponsored efforts to promote local heritage as part of China's soft power strategy, as well as grassroots movements among the Chaoshan diaspora to preserve their distinct identity. The trend highlights a complex negotiation between nostalgia, modernization, and political narratives of unity.