The Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Zone is located in Kaiping City, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The area is renowned for its unique Diaolou (watchtower) architecture, which blends traditional Chinese rural buildings with Western architectural styles, creating a distinctive landscape. At its peak, there were over 3,000 Diaolou in Kaiping, with 1,833 remaining today, distributed across various villages. The tourism zone covers an area of approximately 180 square kilometers and includes several villages with concentrated Diaolou clusters. The Diaolou come in diverse forms, such as colonnaded, platform-style, and castle-like structures, and are primarily constructed from reinforced concrete and blue bricks. They served multiple functions, including defense and residence, representing a unique type of Chinese vernacular architecture and an important symbol of Kaiping's overseas Chinese culture.
History and Culture
The rise of the Kaiping Diaolou is closely tied to the region's historical background and geographical environment. During the late Qing Dynasty, social unrest, rampant banditry, and frequent natural disasters such as floods severely threatened the lives and property of local residents. At the same time, many Kaiping people ventured overseas to make a living and returned with wealth to build homes.
To defend against bandits and natural disasters, they combined the sturdiness and defensive features of Western architecture with traditional Chinese styles, creating these Diaolou. The structures typically include defensive facilities such as gun holes and watchtowers, and some are equipped with generators, water tanks, and other amenities for self-sufficiency in emergencies.
Over time, the Diaolou became not only defensive strongholds but also carriers of overseas Chinese culture. Through their construction, overseas Chinese brought back Western architectural art, lifestyles, and cultural concepts, giving the Kaiping Diaolou a unique charm that blends Chinese and Western elements in architectural style and decorative art.
Today, the Kaiping Diaolou are not only precious historical and cultural heritage but also important physical materials for studying overseas Chinese history, architectural art, and rural culture, bearing witness to a unique chapter in Kaiping's history as an overseas Chinese hometown.
Main Attractions
Li Garden
Li Garden is one of the most representative attractions in Kaiping Diaolou, a private garden built over ten years by overseas Chinese Mr. Xie Weili. The garden combines the charm of traditional Chinese gardens with Western architectural styles. The Diaolou buildings here are exquisitely crafted, with the Panli Tower being the most famous. Its grand exterior and ornate interior feature beautiful murals and carvings. The garden's pavilions, bridges, and flowing water are skillfully arranged, making it an ideal place to appreciate Diaolou architecture and garden landscapes.
Zili Village
Zili Village is a cluster of Diaolou, with 15 remaining today. The Diaolou here vary in shape and are well-preserved. Set against a backdrop of rice fields, lotus ponds, and ancient banyan trees, they form a serene and picturesque rural scene. The Mingshi Tower is one of the most distinctive Diaolou in Zili Village, with many original household items preserved inside, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of overseas Chinese at the time.
Majianglong Diaolou Cluster
The Majianglong Diaolou Cluster consists of several villages, including Yong'an and Nan'an, with a total of 13 Diaolou. Nestled in dense bamboo groves, the Diaolou here boast a tranquil environment and diverse architectural styles, ranging from towering and majestic to small and delicate. UNESCO experts have praised Majianglong as "the most beautiful village in the world," where visitors can experience the perfect harmony of nature and culture.
Ruishi Tower in Jinjiangli
The Ruishi Tower is the tallest and most beautiful Diaolou in Kaiping, earning the title of "Kaiping's No. 1 Tower." Standing nine stories high with a reinforced concrete structure, its unique design incorporates Romanesque, Byzantine, and other Western architectural elements. The interior is lavishly decorated with intricate carvings and paintings on doors, windows, railings, and ceilings, showcasing exceptional architectural artistry.
Cuisine
Kaiping Dog Meat Hotpot
Kaiping Dog Meat Hotpot is a traditional local dish made from fresh dog meat cooked in a unique style. The meat is tender, and the broth is rich and flavorful. Prepared with various spices and herbs, the hotpot is not only delicious but also believed to have nourishing properties. However, as awareness of animal protection grows, dog meat consumption has declined. Visitors may choose whether to try it based on local regulations and personal preferences.
Chikan Tofu Triangles
Chikan Tofu Triangles are a specialty snack from Chikan Town in Kaiping. Tofu cubes are stuffed with fillings such as fish or shrimp and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. The crispy exterior and juicy filling, paired with a special dipping sauce, create a delightful taste.
Surrounding Cuisine
Around the Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Zone, visitors can enjoy other local delicacies. For example, Kaiping Pork Offal Congee is made with fresh pork offal and fragrant rice, resulting in a rich and savory porridge. Guanghe Fermented Tofu, a local specialty, is golden in color and delicious, serving as a side dish or cooking ingredient. Another popular dish is Eel Rice, where tender eel is cooked with rice, infusing it with a delightful aroma.
Ticket Information
The Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Zone offers combo tickets and single tickets. The combo ticket, priced at approximately 180 RMB, includes access to major attractions such as Li Garden, Zili Village, Majianglong Diaolou Cluster, and Jinjiangli. Single tickets vary by attraction: Li Garden costs around 100 RMB, Zili Village about 78 RMB, Majianglong around 50 RMB, and Jinjiangli about 50 RMB. Discounts are available for children, students, seniors, and other special groups. Please check the official announcements for details.
Opening Hours
The Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Zone is generally open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. The opening hours for Li Garden, Zili Village, Majianglong, and Jinjiangli are similar, but adjustments may occur during holidays or special events. Visitors are advised to check the latest information through official channels before their trip.
Travel Itinerary
For a visit to the Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Zone, consider the following itinerary: On the first morning, explore Li Garden to admire its Sino-Western architecture and learn about its history. Enjoy a local lunch nearby. In the afternoon, visit Zili Village to stroll among the Diaolou clusters and experience rural tranquility, including the Mingshi Tower.
On the second morning, head to Majianglong Diaolou Cluster to wander among bamboo-shrouded towers. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Jinjiangli to see the Ruishi Tower, "Kaiping's No. 1 Tower," and appreciate its architectural artistry, concluding your trip.
Transportation
- Bus: Public buses in Kaiping City can take you near attractions like Li Garden and Zili Village (e.g., Bus 613). Check schedules in advance as services may be limited.
- Self-drive: Drive from Jiangmen via highways like the Shenhai Expressway, following navigation to attractions. Parking is available but may be crowded during holidays.
- Taxi: Taxis in Kaiping are convenient but relatively expensive. Use reputable services or ride-hailing apps.
- Tourist Shuttle: Dedicated shuttles run from Kaiping City to the Diaolou sites. Inquire at local travel agencies or the tourist center for details.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Li Garden: A private garden blending Chinese and Western architecture, featuring the exquisite Panli Tower. Ticket: ~100 RMB.
- Zili Village: A Diaolou cluster with 15 towers, including the distinctive Mingshi Tower, showcasing overseas Chinese life. Ticket: ~78 RMB.
- Majianglong Diaolou Cluster: 13 towers nestled in bamboo groves, hailed as "the world's most beautiful village." Ticket: ~50 RMB.
- Ruishi Tower in Jinjiangli: Kaiping's tallest and most beautiful Diaolou, blending multiple Western styles. Ticket: ~50 RMB.
Travel Tips
- Research the history and culture of Kaiping Diaolou beforehand to enhance your appreciation of their significance.
- Plan transportation between villages efficiently, opting for self-driving or tourist shuttles.
- Exercise caution in narrow or steep areas of the Diaolou, especially with children or elderly visitors.
- Choose reputable eateries for local cuisine, respecting dietary customs and hygiene.
- Prepare for sun protection in summer and warmth in winter, as much exploration is outdoors.
- Photography enthusiasts should bring suitable gear to capture architectural details and rural scenery.
Precautions
- Respect the environment: Do not litter or damage the Diaolou and surrounding landscapes.
- Follow rules inside Diaolou: Avoid touching or damaging artifacts and decorations.
- Respect residents' privacy in inhabited Diaolou, keeping noise levels low.
- Drive safely and park legally if self-driving.
- Contact staff or emergency services if needed.
- Purchase tickets through official channels to avoid scams. Carry ID for discounts.