Last Qiaopi Writer: Jiang Mingdian Still Connects Families

For many years, families depended on letter scribes such as Jiang Mingdian to maintain ties with relatives living overseas. At the age of 77, he could be among the final practitioners of this craft. This tradition, called qiaopi, entails composing letters for Chinese expatriates who are illiterate. Jiang Mingdian has dedicated over 50 years to being a qiaopi writer, supporting the community in Taishan, Guangdong. However, with the advent of digital platforms like WeChat, the need for his expertise has significantly decreased. Currently, he composes only a handful of letters each month, safeguarding a dwindling cultural heritage.