Ask a QuestionDiaolou are unique residential buildings in China, named for their resemblance to fortified towers. They are particularly common in Sichuan (Qiang Diaolou) and Guangdong (Kaiping Diaolou), serving both as homes and military defense structures. They are built with thick walls, small windows, and often have iron gates and bars. The Kaiping area alone has 1,833 Diaolou, with the most exquisite ones forming the Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.
Located in Kaiping City, Jiangmen, Guangdong, the area covers 1,438 acres and includes the world heritage Zili Village Diaolou Cluster, Majianglong Village, and the unique Liyuan Garden. Besides historical buildings, there are natural landscapes like rivers, hills, and fields. Other attractions near the three towers group include Chikan Old Town, Jinjiangli, Nanlou, and Kaiyuan Tower.
If you have two days, you can follow this route: Zili Village - Liyuan - Majianglong - Jinjiangli Diaolou Cluster - Chikan Old Town. For a one-day trip, Zili Village and Liyuan are recommended.
Zili Village 自力村
Zili Village is a representative of the Kaiping Diaolou and villages, known for its pastoral scenery. Fifteen well-preserved Diaolou of various styles and unique designs are surrounded by lush rice fields, lotus ponds, melon fields, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees, creating a serene and beautiful landscape. Currently, the Ming Shi Lou and Yun Huan Lou are open for visitors, preserving complete furniture and owner photos.
Highlights: Ming Shi Lou, Yun Huan Lou, Ye Sheng Residence, Lan Sheng Residence
What to offer: No restaurants inside Zili Village, only vending machines and hot water in the demonstration hall. Outside the village, there are convenience stores, snack shops, and specialty stores. Baby strollers and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the visitor center.
Liyuan 立园
Liyuan is a garden villa built in the early 20th century by Xie Weili, an overseas Chinese from America. The architectural style is a blend of Chinese classical gardens and Western flair, showcasing unique architectural charm. Liyuan's most distinctive feature is the deliberately excavated canals that connect the villa area, large garden area, and small garden area, adorned with long corridors, bridges, pavilions, and towers.
Highlights: The entrance exhibition hall, Pan Li Tower in the villa exhibition area, and the Cheongsam Festival held from March 5th to 8th.
Facilities: Liyuan has a book bar, tea restaurant, snack shop, and a place to buy cheongsams. Baby strollers and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the visitor center.
Majianglong 马降龙
Majianglong Village is surrounded by dense bamboo groves and has 13 well-preserved Diaolou, considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The village is hidden in the bamboo forest, offering a tranquil and profound experience. Lin Lu and Jun Lu are currently open to the public. Every year from April to May, the village's vast rapeseed flowers bloom, with towering Diaolou set against the flowers, creating a stunning scene.
Highlights: Tian Lu Tower
Facilities: Local dining is available in the village, and baby strollers and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the visitor center.
Jinjiangli 锦江里
Jinjiangli belongs to Xiangang Town, Kaiping, and is a typical overseas Chinese village of the Huang family. It features three attractive Diaolou: Sheng Feng Lou, Jin Jiang Lou, and Rui Shi Lou, known as "the first tower of Kaiping." Rui Shi Lou, built around 1923, is the tallest existing Diaolou in Kaiping at 9 stories and 25 meters high, serving both residential and defensive purposes.
Chikan Old Town
Now also known as Chikan Overseas Chinese Old Town, it is an international resort area combining sightseeing and leisure. You can take a boat trip between the upper and lower ports, enjoying the arcade buildings along the river. The town has trams to take you around the outer streets, allowing you to appreciate the historical streetscape. After a long day, there are well-serviced hotels in the resort for rest.
Combo tickets and individual tickets are available, with prices subject to change based on season and holidays. The current prices for reference:
Combo (Liyuan + Zili Village + Majianglong): 180 RMB/person, includes a free ticket to Jinjiangli, valid for 2 days.
Liyuan + Zili Village: 150 RMB/person
Individual tickets: Zili Village 78 RMB/person; Liyuan 100 RMB/person; Majianglong 60 RMB/person
Chikan Old Town: 120 RMB/person during the trial operation period, with a discounted rate of 60 RMB/person.
Options from airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen include airport express buses, direct buses to Kaiping, and local buses to the attractions. High-speed rail to "Kaiping South" station is also available, followed by local transport to the sites. Private car hire is suggested for convenience.
From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport:(about 4 hours, costing approximately 90 RMB.)
From Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport:(Total travel time is about 5 hours, costing approximately 100 RMB.)
High-Speed Rail:
Take the high-speed train to "Kaiping South" station.
Then take a city bus followed by a town bus to reach the scenic areas.
Private Car Hire:
Besides public transport, you can also hire a private car to explore Jiangmen and surrounding attractions, which is the most convenient and hassle-free way to travel. Contact us for assistance in planning your trip.
The area near the Kaiping Diaolou mainly offers guesthouses rather than large hotels. Most visitors stay in Tangkou Town, about 2 km from Zili Village, which has a wide range of guesthouses. Additionally, Chikan Old Town, opened in early 2023, offers a variety of luxurious hotels.
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