kaiping tour china

3-Day Kaiping and Foshan Tour

South china's essence.

Lingnan ('Mountain Range South') historically refers to the region to the south of the five mountain ranges that separate the Yangtze River catchment (central China) from the Pearl River catchment (southern China), but it has become almost synonymous with Guangdong Province. Lingnan culture is the essence of Cantonese (Guangdong) culture and it manifests itself most notably in food, art, and architecture.

Our 3-day trip to Kaiping and Foshan will enable you to discover unique Lingnan folk culture, feast your eyes on gorgeous countryside landscapes, and satisfy your taste buds with Cantonese food.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Satisfy your taste buds with the best cantonese food.

Explore gourmet city Shunde, the cradle of Cantonese cuisine. From the roasted goose and drunken goose to the sliced raw fish and ginger milk curd, you will remember the genuine flavor of Cantonese food.

Appreciate brilliant Lingnan folk culture

Watch amazing lion dancing performed by a pro team and appreciate exquisite Lingnan architecture.

Learn the Wing Chun Kung Fu Style

Foshan is home to the Wing Chun style of gongfu. Learn Wing Chun from a local master who teaches at one of the leading kung fu schools in Foshan.

Immerse yourself in historical, picturesque diaolou villages

Get away from the hustle and bustle, take a walk or bike ride among the rare and tranquil Kaiping diaolou ('watchtower building') villages , and admire the gorgeous fusion of agriculture and architecture.

Enjoy a traditional Cantonese morning tea and a dim sum meal

Cantonese morning tea combines having breakfast and drinking tea. Sip tea and taste dim sum in a top local restaurant to enjoy a leisurely morning local-style.

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

We'll pick you up in downtown Guangzhou and travel to Kaiping County in about 2 hours. The charismatic diaolou('watchtower building') buildings and lovely countryside await… You'll visit a pretty UNESCO World Heritage Site — Zili Village and Li Garden , which is a good place to get mentally relaxed from the city noise and in touch with nature — hear the breeze and your footsteps… Then we'll journey on for an hour to Albion Resort & SPA Greenland Nar Golden Valley for you to soak in a hot spring among the rice fields and absorb peace of mind from the tranquil environment. Stay overnight in Enping — a famous hot spring area in China.

In the morning we leave Enping for Shunde, which takes about 2 hours. . Hunt for tasty Cantonese food in gourmet city Shunde with the assistance of your guide and driver. After lunch, take a leisurely walk for digestion in Qinghui Park , the most famous Guangdong Garden. Then visit Fengjian Water Village , take a rowing boat, explore the old houses and ancient alleys, and savor delicious local snacks for your afternoon tea dessert. You'll travel for an hour to Foshan in the late afternoon and stay overnight in Foshan.

Take a Cantonese morning tea and dim sum meal at a time-honored local restaurant and experience leisurely local life. Visit Foshan Ancestral Temple to watch lion dancing and a martial arts performance . Learn Wing Chun from a local master who teaches at one of the leading kung fu schools in Foshan. We will transfer you to downtown Guangzhou. If you need a transfer to Guangzhou railway station or Baiyun Airport for your departure, please tell our travel consultant when you put on an inquiry.

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Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Price includes:

• Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
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• Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
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• Description

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storeyed defensive village houses in Kaiping, which display a complex and flamboyant fusion of Chinese and Western structural and decorative forms. They reflect the significant role of émigré Kaiping people in the development of several countries in South Asia, Australasia and North America, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are four groups of Diaolou and twenty of the most symbolic ones are inscribed on the List. These buildings take three forms: communal towers built by several families and used as temporary refuge, residential towers built by individual rich families and used as fortified residences, and watch towers. Built of stone, pise , brick or concrete, these buildings represent a complex and confident fusion between Chinese and Western architectural styles. Retaining a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape, the Diaolou testify to the final flowering of local building traditions that started in the Ming period in response to local banditry.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Diaolou et villages de Kaiping

Les diaolou, maisons fortifiées de village de Kaiping, bâties sur plusieurs étages, témoignent d’une fusion complexe et flamboyante des formes structurelles et décoratives chinoises et occidentales. Elles sont le reflet du rôle significatif que jouèrent les émigrés de Kaiping dans le développement de plusieurs pays en Asie du Sud, en Australasie et en Amérique du Nord à la fin du XIXe siècle et au début du XXe siècle. Il y a quatre groupes de diaolou dont une vingtaine de bâtiments ont été inscrits sur la Liste. Il existe trois types de bâtiments : les tours communautaires construites par plusieurs familles et utilisées comme refuges temporaires, les tours résidentielles construites par de riches familles à des fins résidentielles et défensives, et les tours de guet. Fabriqués en pierre, en pisé, en brique ou en béton, ces édifices symbolisent la fusion complexe et réussie des styles architecturaux chinois et occidentaux. Harmonieusement intégrés dans le paysage environnant, les diaolou représentent l’épanouissement de traditions locales – nées sous la dynastie des Ming – en matière de construction visant à se défendre contre les bandits.

كايبينغ دياولو والقرى

شيِّدت معظم منازل القرى الدفاعية المؤلفة من عدة طبقات في كايبينغ (مقاطعة غوانغدونغ)، أو ما يُعرف بـ"دياولو"، في عشرينات وثلاثينات القرن الماضي. وهي تضم بنى وأشكالاً هندسية معقدة ومتوهجة في آن، ومستوحاة من الصين والغرب معاً. تعكس هذه المنازل الدور البارز الذي لعبه المهاجرون من جماعة كايبينغ في تطور عدد من البلدان في جنوب آسيا وأستراليا وأميركا الشمالية في أواخر القرن التاسع عشر ومطلع القرن العشرين، والتعلق الشديد بين جماعة كايبينغ ومنازلها الأصلية ما وراء البحار. الملكية المدرجة كناية عن أربع مجموعات من الـ"دياولو" (حوالي 800 1 منزل في المحيط القروي)، وهي تعكس مرحلة الذروة لخمسة قرون من البناء لهذه المنازل الأبراج والصلات التي ما زالت وثيقة حتى الآن بين جماعة كايبينغ والشتات الصيني. تتخذ هذه المباني ثلاثة أشكال: الأبراج المجتمعية التي بنتها عائلات عديدة واستخدمت كملاجئ مؤقتة، وبقي منها 473 مبنى؛ الأبراج السكنية التي بنتها عائلات ثرية واستخدمت كأمكنة إقامة محصَّنة، وبقي منها 149 1 مبنى؛ أبراج المراقبة، وهي المجموعة الأخيرة وتشمل 221 مبنى. شيِّدت هذه المباني من الحجر والتربة المضغوطة والآجر والإسمنت، وهي تجمع ما بين النماذج الهندسية الصينية والغربية. كما يسود الانسجام العلاقة القائمة مع المشاهد الطبيعية والزراعية المحيطة بها. وتشهد منازل الـ"دياولو" على ازدهار تقاليد البناء المحلية التي بدأت في حقبة مينغ رداً على أعمال العنف والسلب واللصوصية المحلية. أبراج دياولو  المحصنة رسالة اليونسكو (2007)

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

开平碉楼与村落以广东省开平市用于防卫的多层塔楼式乡村民居——雕镂而著称，展现了中西建筑和装饰形式复杂而灿烂的融合，表现了19世纪末及20世纪初开平侨民在几个南亚国家、澳洲以及北美国家发展进程中的重要作用，以及海外开平人与其故里的密切联系。此次收录的遗产包括四组共计20座碉楼，是村落群中近1800座塔楼的代表，代表了近五个世纪塔楼建筑的颠峰，也展现了散居国外的华侨与故土之间仍然紧密的联系。这些建筑分为三种形式：由若干户人家共同兴建的众楼，为临时避难之用，现存473座；由富有人家独自建造的居楼，同时具有防卫和居住的功能，现存1149座；以及出现时间最晚的更楼，为联防预警之用，现存221座。也可分为石楼、土楼、青砖楼、钢筋水泥楼，反映了中西方建筑风格复杂而完美的融合。碉楼与周围的乡村景观和谐共生，见证了明代以来以防匪为目的的当地建筑传统的最后繁荣。

Diaolou y aldeas de Kaiping

Las ”diaolou“ son casas fortificadas de varios pisos construidas en las aldeas de la región de Kaiping. Constituyen un ejemplo de fusión compleja y brillante de las formas estructurales y decorativas de China con las de Occidente. Son un exponente del importante papel desempeñado por los emigrados de Kaiping en el desarrollo de varios paí­ses del Asia Meridional, Australasia y América del Norte a finales del siglo XIX y principios del XX. Hay cuatro conjuntos de ”diaolou“ y en la Lista del Patrimonio Mundial se han inscrito las veinte mí¡s representativas. Los edificios son de tres clases: torres comunales, construidas conjuntamente por varias familias y utilizadas como refugios temporales; torres residenciales, construidas por familias pudientes y utilizadas como viviendas fortificadas; y torres vigí­as. Construidas con piedra, adobe, ladrillo u hormigón, estas construcciones son fruto de una fusión compleja del estilo arquitectónico chino con el occidental. Las ”diaolou“, que se armonizan perfectamente con el paisaje circundante, son un testimonio del floreciente periodo final de una tradición arquitectónica local surgida en la época de los Ming como reacción al bandolerismo reinante en la región.

source: NFUAJ

Kaiping Diaolou en dorpen

Kaiping Diaolou en dorpen (provincie Guangdong) bestaan uit diaolou; verdedigingstorens van meerdere verdiepingen met in hun ontwerp en architectuur een combinatie van Chinese en westerse invloeden. Tegen het einde van de 19e eeuw emigreerden vele arme Kaiping Chinezen naar andere landen in Zuid-Azië, Australië en Noord-Amerika. Deze overzeese Chinezen boden financiële steun aan hun achtergebleven families. Door de nieuwe rijkdom werd het gebied het middelpunt van aanvallen van bandieten. Ter verdediging werden er speciale verstevigde torens gebouwd met verschillende functies. De diaolou dienden als toevluchtsoord, woonverblijf of als uitkijktoren, en werden gebouwd van steen, pisé, baksteen of cement.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

The Diaolou and their surrounding villages demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value for their complex and confident fusion between Chinese and western architectural styles, for their final flowering of local tower building traditions, for their completeness and unaltered state resulting from their short life span as fortified dwellings and their comparative abandonment and for harmonious relationship with their agricultural landscape.

Criterion (ii): The Diaolou represent in dramatic physical terms an important interchange of human values - architectural styles brought back from North America by returning Chinese and fused with local rural traditions - within a particular cultural area of the world.

Criterion (iii): The building of defensive towers was a local tradition in the Kaiping area since Ming times in response to local banditry. The nominated Diaolou represent the final flourishing of this tradition, in which the conspicuous wealth of the retuning Chinese contributed to the spread of banditry and their towers were an extreme response.

Criterion (iv): The main towers, with their settings and through their flamboyant display of wealth, are a type of building that reflects the significant role played by émigré Kaiping people in the development of several countries in South Asia, Australasia, and North America, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the continuing links between the Kaiping community and Chinese communities in these parts of the world.

The wholeness and intactness of the nominated properties are evident insofar as all the elements that express their values are still in place; the size of each of the properties is adequate as the features and processes that convey the significance are fully represented in the towers and their surrounding villages of small houses and farmland. The nominated Diaolou, their surrounding village houses, and the agricultural landscape are all authentic, apart from certain houses in Sanmenli Village.

Since 2001, all the Diaolou are protected as national monuments under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Relics, 1982 and also covered by Provincial and Municipal Regulations. A buffer zone has been established. The overall state of conservation of the Diaolou is good; the state of conservation of village houses and the agricultural landscape is reasonable. No extensive conservation works have been undertaken. Nevertheless minor repair works, are carried out where necessary, and inappropriate building interventions have been reversed. A Management Plan for the nominated property has been drawn up by Beijing University under the auspices of the People's Government of Kaiping City. It has been implemented since 2005.

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2 Days Kaiping Diaolou and Foshan Tour from Guangzhou

Guangzhou, Kaiping Diaolou & Villages, Foshan

Tour Code: TCT-Guangzhou-05

Tour Type: Private Tour

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Day 1 Guangzhou – Kaiping – Shunde(Foshan)

Meals: Lunch Accommodation: In Shunde, Foshan

In the morning, pick up from the downtown of Guangzhou city and drive for about 2 hours to Kaiping. At first, we will visit Chikan Ancient Town, with a history of 350 years. It was once one of the most prosperous towns in western Guangdong, with a reputation as a famous town in Lingnan, a century-old commercial port and hometown of overseas Chinese. A large number of commercial arcades built in the 20th century stretch for several miles. The vicissitudes of life and cobblestone streets, mottled and empty window grilles, and elegantly carved gray sculptures form the unique style of the ancient town. 

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storeyed defensive village houses in Kaiping, which display a complex and flamboyant fusion of Chinese and Western structural and decorative forms. There are 4 Diaolou groups in Kaiping. There are 9 Diaolou and 6 Lu  (Western-style villas) in Zili Village . The earliest Longshenglou was built in the eighth year of the Republic of China (1919), and the latest Zhanlu was built in the thirty-seventh year of the Republic of China (1948). Among them, the most exquisite is the 6-story Mingshilou.

Backed by the majestic Baizu Mountain, Maxianglong Village faces the clear Tanjiang River. It was built by the Huang and Guan families in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. There are more than 100 traditional dwellings, Diaolou and cottage-style villas in the village, scattered among ancient forests and bamboos. During a stroll, there are verdant bamboos, shaded trees, birds and flowers, and the scenery is charming, just like a fairyland on earth.

In the late afternoon, we will drive for about 2 hours to Shunde, Foshan for overnight.

Day 2 Foshan – Guangzhou

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take an authentic Cantonese morning tea with dim sum breakfast at a time-honored local restaurant as a Shunde local. 

Then visit the well-known Qinghui Garden - One of the four famous gardens in Guangdong and a representative work of Lingnan Garden. At noon time, we will walk around Daling Huagai Road, looking for local gourmet, such as stewed milk beancurd, various local snacks, rice porridge hot pot, etc. 

In the afternoon, visit Foshan Ancestral Temple , which is a complex of Lingnan culture museum, built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1078-1085). In addition to the traditional Lingnan architectural decoration and builidings, the most attractive is the exhibition on Foshan martial arts. The Ip Wen Tong and Wong Fei-hung Memorial Museum houses the biographical materials of two martial arts masters, etc., attracting many martial arts fans to visit. Here we will have chance to watch lion dance and a martial arts performance. Learn lion dance from a local master, who will teach the basic lion dance technique, which is a good chance to experience China and Canton culture. 

Then drive back to the downtown of Guangzhou, finish your colorful trip. 

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Kaiping Diaolou and Villages

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, located in Kaiping City, Guangdong Province, were approved as a national cultural heritage site in 2001, and were listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in June 2007. The Diaolou are fortified multi-storied tower-like structures that exquisitely integrate the Western architectural style with the Chinese architectural style.

The earliest preserved villages were constructed in the 14th century, and the diaolous were initially built in the 16th century. Originally, it was built to protect the residents against intrusion and forays by local bandits. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Diaolou reached its peak, with over 3,000 diaolous scattered around the whole Kaiping area. About 1,830 well-preserved diaolous remain.

Kaiping has long been a major hometown for immigrants, many of whom brought the ideas and architectural styles of the West to the city. The diaolous primarily use the Romanesque, Islamic, Baroque and Rococo architectural styles and decorative forms. They were mainly made of reinforced concrete, which was rare in Asia in the 1920s and 1930s. On the exterior, the buildings are typically western; but inside everything, from the frescos to the utensils, are of traditional Chinese style.

The local Diaolou is made of stone, compressed earth, bricks or concrete. Despite the distinct differences in building materials, architectural styles and decorative forms, all of the diaolous share some common features. The windows and doors are very narrow and small. Watchtowers on the top floor, with embrasures in the four cardinal directions, provide excellent views of the surrounding area.

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages is also an example of the incorporation of the natural and cultural landscape. In spite of importing the western architectural style, the buildings still maintain a harmonious relationship with the surrounding rural landscape. The unique scene is spectacular.  

Diaolou Clusters

Many diaolou clusters are scattered there, including Chikanzhen Yinglong Lou, Jinjiangli Diaolou Cluster, the Cluster in Zilicun and Fangshi Denglou.

Chikanzhen Yinglong Lou is the oldest preserved diaolou in that area. It was built during the reign of Emperor Wangli of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is located in Sanmenli Village, Chikanzhen Township, about six kilometers (about four miles) east of downtown Kaiping. 'Yinglong' in Chinese means 'welcoming or greeting dragons'. In the Chinese culture, the dragon is the symbol of auspiciousness. The name 'Yinglong' implies that the construction of the watchtower will bring people safety, fortune and happiness. Yinglong Lou retains the primitive model of watchtower. It is a traditional square structure and is not influenced by western architectural styles.

Zilicun Diaolou Cluster consists of nine diaolous. It is located in Zilicun Village, Tan Gkou Township of the city. Its residential houses are compatible with the surroundings.

The most exquisite diaolous there are located in the Jinjiangli Diaolou Cluster. It is situated at Jinjiangli Village, Xianggang Township, northeast of city downtown area. Behind the village stand Ruishi Diaolou, Shengfeng Lou, and Jinjiang Lou. Ruishi Diaolou is the tallest one in Kaiping.

The diaolou, a unique structure, not only symbolizes the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, but also embodies the assimilation of two different cultures.

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CHINA – Kaiping Diaolou and Villages; a unique day trip from Guangzhou or Macau

Table of Contents

What are the Diaolou in Kaiping?

Zili village & fang clan watch tower, kaiping diaolou in jinjiangli village, majianlong village cluster of diaolou, kaiping diaolou in sanmenli village, li yuan (li’s garden), gallery kaiping diaolou.

The Kaiping Diaolous and Villages are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see in China for anyone visiting the Guangdong province . They are easily reached from Guangzhou or Macau (keep in mind you need a China visa if coming from Macau) or, as I did, from Foshan . It’s a unique site and something you won’t find anywhere else in the world. I’ll take you to the four places that are part of the UNESCO site. This is best done with private transport as there is no good public transportation to efficiently travel the area. Enjoy these fortified towers with me!

The Diaolou in Kaiping are fortified towers mainly used for protection but also for living. They date back to the 19 th century Ming Dynasty but some (for example in the Li Garden) date to the early 20 th century. Many Chinese from the Kaiping area immigrated overseas and brought back ideas and designs when they returned. All these ideas and architectural designs are incorporated into the Diaolou which makes them a blend between Chinese and Western design. Especially if you’re a Westerner you’ll notice the Western design in structure and decorations.

Now, close to 2000 Diaolou remain which is about half of those ever built. To get a good understanding and see the different types four places are of great importance; these are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. If that’s too much then I recommend visiting Zili Village in the morning, then Li’s Garden and last Jinjiangli Village skipping the other two.

Zili Village is the most famous cluster of Diaolou which are scattered around the village. Most Diaolou were abandoned in the mid-20 th century and many still are but there are also those that are restored. Zili Village is located next to the Zhenhai river which loops around half of the village. Flooding was also a problem at times and the towers also protected against that. The lower part of the building could be under water with the top floors being completely self-sufficient. Around the village there are endless rice fields with Diaolou in between. It’s a tranquil area even though the big tour busses do know Zili Village too. I loved exploring Zili Village because it’s so unique.

After visiting Zili Village make a short stop at the Fang Clan Watch Tower located just down the road. It’s a fine example of a Diaolou that was purely used for protection. You’ll see the smaller base and a wider top for even better protection. Depending on the schedule continue now first to Jinjiangli Village, then the garden and then the two other villages. If you plan to skip the other two villages then go to the garden first and then to Jinjiangli Village. Zili Village takes about 2 hours to explore.

Jinjiangli Village is about the same size as Zili Village but has much less Diaolou. The three of interest are however much more decorated and nicer as those in Zili Village. That’s why Zili Village (many Diaolou and rice field) and Jinjiangli Village (most beautiful Diaolou) should be on your itinerary. The three Diaolou that you can enter and explore are located at the back of the village. They are called Shengfeng Lou, Jinjiang Lou and Ruishi Lui. Inside you can see the way of living which (of course) include bedrooms, kitchen, living quarters and at the top the ancestral hall. At the top, you’ll also have a great view over Jinjiangli Village and it’s Diaolou. It takes about 90 minutes to explore Jinjiangli Village.

Majianlong Village is a small village surrounded by bamboo forest. The Diaolou here are located also within this forest and if you climb to the top you’ll have a great view with Diaolou peeking out above the trees. There are several houses and Diaolou you can visit of which the Junlu Villa, Linlu Villa and Tianlu Tower are the most important I would say. Some are included in the ticket; some need a small additional fee. Those with an additional fee are those where families still live; it gives a great view on how they live so make sure to visit these houses too. I did rush through the village in just over an hour as I wanted to visit all the five places in a day. The views were worth it however!

Sanmenli Village is probably the most authentic village of all but doesn’t have that many Diaolou. You’ll see here elders doing laundry, cooking and all kinds of daily life stuff. The younger generation left the village to go to the big cities. In the middle of town, you’ll find the Yinglong Lou which is said to be the oldest Diaolou. It looks different as most others I had seen earlier, probably because it dates to the 17 th century. The two stories are old, the third story was added in the early 20 th -centry during the time of most other Diaolou. All the houses are original traditional Chinese houses which are in perfect shape. It’s a beautiful town to wander around for 45-60 minutes.

Li Yuan (Li’s Garden) isn’t part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (only the above 4 are) and I didn’t plan to visit at first but I had an hour left so a quick visit was possible. It’s a lovely place and for sure worth a visit as the Diaolou here are a bit never and resemble even more European, especially French, style. They are beautiful decorated on the outside but also the inside is magnificent. You see wealth and power which was brought back by Mr. Li from the USA where he made his fortune. It’s also a nice place to do a pick nick if you visit only two of the places I mentioned. This is the place to go for lunch then!

The Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are amongst my favorite spots in China ! They are unique in the world and the views are amazing. I visited them from Foshan where I stayed for two nights to explore the city which is more as just an industrial city. The Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are quite far into the country side so go with a private driver or arranged tour to not get lost. I continued to Xiamen after where my China trip ended. I did visit Xiamen earlier as there are also interesting buildings nearby called Tulou .

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Did you visit Kaiping Diaolou too or do you have questions? Please leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Love to hear from you!

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3 Days Guangzhou Kaiping Diaolou & Foshan Tour with Lingnan Culture

World Heritage tour with Kaiping Diaolou, Foshan Kung Fu & Lingnan Architecture

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Do you like Cantonese food? Have you heard of Foshan Kung Fu and Lion Dance ? Interesting about Lingnan Culture ? Are you people of Chinese origin? How about a trip to Kaiping Diaolou, the Hometown of Overseas Chinese? Take our 3 Days Guangzhou Foshan Kaiping Tour with Diaolou & Lingnan Culture to explore the only the only World Cultural Heritage Site in Guangdong province, Cantonese Cuisine, Lingnan Architectures, Chinese Martial Arts, Lion Dancing, Cantonese opera, stories of Overseas Chinese with us.

In Guangzhou City, the capital of Guangdong province and the third-largest city in China (after Shanghai and Beijing), you can have a better understating of Guangzhou, a major and only port city that has been opening and thriving for over 2,000 years . As a city in southern China, Guangzhou is known as "Flower City", due to its lush greenery and colorful flowers all year round. You won’t miss the top attractions of Guangzhou , such as Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum, Huacheng Square, Canton Tower, and Pearl River, to have a bite of Cantonese food and Lingnan culture.

In Foshan City, the third-largest city in Guangdong and the hometown of Bruce Lee, pottery, Cantonese opera, Chinese martial arts, and lion dancing arts, you can explore more about Lingnan culture and Lingnan Architecture. With a visit to Ancient Nanfeng Kiln, Foshan Ancestral Temple, Lingnan Tiandi, and Liang Garden, you will fall in love with its brilliant pottery architecture ridge tile (Shiwan ceramics), unique Yue Opera (Cantonese opera), traditional lion dancing performance, and beautiful Lingnan garden.

In Kaiping of Jiangmen City , the Land of Diaolou, you will not miss the visit to the World Heritage Site - Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, which is recognized as one of the 50 must-visit places in China during one's lifetime. The owners of Kaiping Diaolou were overseas Chinese who ventured out into the world from here, bringing back Western culture and artifacts. Let us step into the Diaolou and listen to the stories behind the Diaolou.

Take our 3 Days Guangzhou Foshan Kaiping Tour now! From “Flower city” (Guangzhou) to “Hometown of Cantonese opera” (Foshan) and the hometown of overseas Chinese (Kaiping), you will have a deep understanding of Lingnan Culture by its food, streets, museums, parks, temples, rivers, architectures, gardens, and people.

Itinerary at a Glance

Guangzhou (1 Day)

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum, Beijing Road, Huacheng Square, Canton Tower(Outside View), Pearl River

Foshan(1 Day)

Ancient Nanfeng Kiln, Foshan Ancestral Temple, Lingnan Tiandi, Liang Garden

Kaiping (1 Day)

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (World Heritage Site): Zili Village, Li Garden

Itinerary Day by Day

Full-day exploration of Guangzhou City, the capital city of Guangdong province and the third-largest city in China (after Shanghai and Beijing). Through its Ancient Central Axis and New Central Axis, you can trace back to the "Origin" of Guangzhou and embrace the "Future" of Guangzhou by visiting the top attractions of Guangzhou such as Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum, Beijing Road, Huacheng Square, Canton Tower, Pearl River. Sure you will start to enjoy the Cantonese food today from the traditional Guangzhou morning tea to all kinds of Cantonese cuisine, a dim sum meal, and local snacks.

Begin your journey at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (Chen Family Ancestral Hall陈家祠), representing traditional Lingnan architecture (岭南建筑) and Lingnan culture . The clan concept in the Lingnan Region (which covers Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, and parts of Fujian) is very strong, and people attach great importance to the worship and memorial of their ancestors. The ancestral hall is the place where people worship their ancestors . The Chen Family Ancestral Hall stands as the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely decorated ancestral hall-style architecture in China, earning it the title of the " Jewel of Lingnan Architectural Art ". The hall showcases the " Three Carvings " (三雕) - stone, brick, and wood carvings; the " Two Moldings " (两塑) - ceramic and lime sculptures; and additionally, the intricate cast ironwork and exquisite color paintings, together recognized as the " Seven Wonders " (七绝). You will love the various legendary divine beasts of China that stand on the roofs. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall uses the famous Shiwan Clay Sculptures (石湾陶塑) on its roof, commonly known as " Shiwan Ridge Tiles "(石湾瓦脊). These ridge tiles are produced in Shiwan Town (石湾镇), where the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln is located (we will visit it tomorrow). Each ridge tile has a unique decorative theme, showcasing legends, stories from Cantonese opera (粤剧), folk auspicious patterns, and a total of 1,109 sculpted figures. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall also houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum , where you can witness traditional Guangdong crafts such as ivory carvings, jade sculptures, Guangdong embroidery, and Guangdong-colored ceramics.

Then, you can pay a visit to Yuexiu Park (越秀公园), one of the landmarks of Guangzhou, like the locals. With Yuexiu Mountain in the center, the park has remnants from over 2,000 years ago left by the Nanyue King Zhao Tuo, hence its initial name "Yue King Mountain." Sun Yat-sen used to visit Yuexiu Mountain for reading and official duties. With a stroll to the Five Rams Sculpture (五羊石雕), you will learn why Guangzhou got its nickname as the "City of Rams" (羊城). According to the lore, during a severe famine thousands of years ago, five immortals rode into Guangzhou on five rams and presented the people of Guangzhou with rice stalks held in their mouths and wished the region to be forever free from famine. After their departure, the five rams transformed into stone. Now, it not only embodies the city spirit of gratitude, compassion, mutual assistance, diligence, and bravery but also becomes a symbol of Guangzhou .You will have option to visit the Zhenhai Tower (Five-Storied Pagoda镇海楼 self-pay ). During the Ming Dynasty (600 years ago), it was the highest building in Guangzhou, and a good place for the ancient people of Guangzhou to enjoy the panoramic view of the Pearl River (珠江) and Baiyun Mountain (白云山). This tower now hosts the Guangzhou Museum , which serves as a crucial venue for collecting and displaying historical artifacts of Guangzhou. Also perched on the mountain is the Sun Yat-sen Monument (中山纪念碑), built to commemorate the democratic revolutionary Sun Yat-sen (孙中山).

After the Yuexiu Park tour, time to explore the Western Han Dynasty Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum (西汉南越王墓博物馆). Here, you'll get to witness firsthand the genuine tomb of Zhao Mo , the second emperor of the Nanyue Kingdom during the early years of the Western Han Dynasty (2,000 years ago西汉). The tomb is the largest and the best preserved color-painted stone chamber found to date in the Lingnan region in South China and has unearthed numerous artifacts. The museum serves as a reminder of Guangzhou's ancient history, the Nanyue Kingdom was a significant regional power and provides crucial insights into the Nanyue culture . Among all the 1,000 pieces of cultural artifacts, you won’t miss the spotlight “ Jade Burial Garment ” which is made up of 2,291 pieces of jade, and also a collection of over 400 delicate ceramic pillows.

After that, head south to reach Beijing Road (北京路) - one of the most popular pedestrian streets in Guangzhou. This vibrant street offers a combination of global brands and local boutiques, as well as a wide range of dining options, from local street food to dim sum and Cantonese cuisine from high-end restaurants. Known as Guangzhou's "millennium-old pathway" , Beijing Road, once the nerve center of Guangzhou's political, economic, and cultural activities, has been the city's central axis since its establishment, with the city expanding outward from this starting point. As you meander down the street, take note of the transparent glass panels underfoot . These panels offer a unique window into the past, revealing 11 ancient road layers from five historical periods: the Southern Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as well as the base of the Song Dynasty's Gongbei Tower.

Next, you will shift towards the contemporary heartbeat of the city —the New Central Axis. Start your exploration at the Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城), which is Guangzhou's central business district and the symbol of its modern skyline . Home to towering skyscrapers: the sleek Guangzhou IFC Tower and the majestic CTF Finance Center . Looming in the distance is the iconic Canton Tower , an astonishing feat of engineering soaring to 600 meters. Locally, these three titans are affectionately dubbed " Guangzhou Three Piece Set " (广州三件套). The heart of the New Central Axis, Huacheng Square (花城广场), is a sprawling green urban park and public space surrounded by landmarks like the Guangzhou Opera House, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and the new Guangzhou Library, the Guangdong Provincial Museum. Most importantly, appreciate the slim outline of the iconic Canton Tower (广州塔) on the opposite bank of Pearl River. The square comes alive in the evening, with water features, light shows, and the shimmering reflections of the city's skyline in its man-made lakes.

Lastly, have a stroll along the Pearl River (珠江), the mother river of Guangzhou , especially during the evening. With the city lights reflecting on the water, and the famous Pearl River Cruise passing by, it's a picturesque scene blending the old and new worlds of Guangzhou. As you conclude your journey along the Old &New Central Axis , you're left with an impression of a city that respects its past, yet eagerly embraces the future.

Evening Optional Activity: Pearl River Night Cruise (around 60 min per tour)

Dive into Guangzhou's enchanting night atmosphere with a memorable cruise along the Pearl River . A night cruise (from 19:00 to 22:00) provides an unmatched vantage point to admire Guangzhou's skyline . Drift past iconic Guangzhou landmarks such as the Canton Tower , which shines brilliantly against the night sky, and the beautifully illuminated bridges that stretch across the river.

This morning you will head to Foshan City (35km, 1h), the hometown of Bruce Lee and a popular tourist destination for Wing Chun style of Kung Fu. As the hometown of pottery, Cantonese opera, martial arts, and lion dancing arts (陶艺之乡、粤剧之乡、武术之乡、狮艺之乡), Foshan is also an ideal place to explore more about Lingnan culture (岭南文化). With a visit to Ancient Nanfeng Kiln, Foshan Ancestral Temple, Lingnan Tiandi, and Liang Garden, you will fall in love with Lingnan Architecture , the traditional world of Chinese ceramics (pottery making), Yue Opera (Cantonese opera粤剧), lion dancing performance (醒狮表演), Wing Chun Kung Fu (Huangfeihong/Yip Man/Bruce Lee咏春拳), Lingnan garden.

After breakfast, head to Nanfeng Ancient Kiln (南风古灶) in Shiwan Town, an important pottery base in Ling Nan. The tall chimney is a landmark here. Foshan is known as the " Pottery Capital of the South " (南国陶都) and Shiwan ceramics (石湾陶瓷) are the shining gem in the crown of Foshan ceramics. The Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, known as the " Living Fossil of Ceramics "(陶瓷活化石), stands as the best witness to the long-standing ceramic culture in Shiwan Town (石湾镇). During the Qing Dynasty, the heyday of Shiwan ceramics, there were a total of 107 dragon kilns (Long Kiln龙窑), of which only three remain today. Built between 1506 and 1521, Nanfeng Ancient Kiln is the oldest and only wood-fired ancient dragon kiln still in operation. It has been continuously producing ceramics for over 500 years and is listed in the Guinness World Records . You will see the dragon kilns built on the slopes, like dragons descending from the sky, which is why the locals call them " dragon kilns ". And, you can not only climb the stairs and enter the kiln but also learn about the ceramic-making process. The ceramics produced by the folk kilns in Shiwan Town, represented by Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, cover a wide range of categories, which were popular throughout the Pearl River Delta region and around Asia. At that time, various household utensils such as basins, sugar jars, and ridge ornaments for roofs (such as those seen in the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall) were in high demand, as well as flower pots, glazed tiles, and ridge tile (flower ridges瓦脊/花脊) for garden ceramics. They were all popular and had excellent export volumes, second only to Jingdezhen (景德镇) in Jiangxi Province. Surprisingly, there is a 400-year-old banyan tree standing at the end of the Nanfeng kiln, unaffected by the kiln's temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius.

In addition to visiting the dragon kilns, you can visit the Guangdong Shiwan Ceramic Museum (free admission; closed on Mondays) or stroll along the adjacent ancient streets and alleys, experiencing the red walls, green tiles, and stone-paved roads. This place is perfect for photography and engaging in ceramic art experiences. You can also explore Gongzai Street (named after Shiwan Art Pottery 石湾公仔) and find some Shiwan ceramic trinkets (ceramic fridge magnets) to take home.

Optional Activities: You can enjoy your Foshan cultural experience with intangible heritage by pottery art making (0.5 hours), or paper cutting (1 hour) during your visit to Ancient Nanfeng Kiln.

In the afternoon, move to Foshan Ancestors' Temple , the must-visit place in Foshan. The Ancestors' Temple (Zumiao Temple 祖庙) was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127) for people to worship the North Emperor - the God of Taoist culture. Also, people of Chinese origin (ethnic Chinese) from all over the world will visit here to follow their ancestors' steps to find their roots. Foshan is famous for the origin of Kung Fu masters , such as Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿1856-1925), Yip Man (叶问1899-1972 the first person in the world to be included in the World Record Association for Wing Chun Kung Fu), and Bruce Lee (Li Xiaolong李小龙1940-1973) while is the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu (Chinese Martial Arts), lion dance, pottery, and Cantonese opera, and the Foshan Ancestors' Temple is the best places to include them all in one place. Today, famed as the " Palace of Oriental Folk Art ", this Taoist temple is more like a museum of architecture and folk culture which is a combination of Zumiao Temple, Confucius Temple, Calligraphy Corridor, Exhibition Hall, and Gardens. You can not only appreciate its brilliant ridge tiles (use the Shiwan ceramics made in Nanfeng Ancient Kiln) of Lingnan architecture but also see the exhibition halls of two masters of Chinese Kung Fu, Huang Feihong (黄飞鸿the unrivaled master of martial arts, medicine, and lion dancing) and Yip Man (叶问Bruce Lee's Master), to feel the profound culture of martial arts there. By the way, in some famous movies, Kungfu stars like Jackie Chan (成龙) and Jet Li (李连杰) have both portrayed Wong Fei Hung (Huangfeihong) since 1949, while Donnie Yen (甄子丹) and Tony Leung Chiu Wai (梁朝伟) have both portrayed Yip Man (a master of Wing Chun Martial Art). You can also join many folk activities , such as Lion Dance , and Yue Opera . If coming at the right time, you can even enjoy the Chinese Kung Fu show and the New Year's Blessing Ceremony in the temple.

Tips for the Activities inside Foshan Ancestral Temple: 1. Lion Dance Performance (Free admission at Wong Fei Hung Memorial Hall黄飞鸿纪念馆外) : The performance is held from 10:00 to 10:40, 14:15 to 14:55, and 15:30 to 16:10 every day, except on rainy days. 2. Cantonese Opera (Free admission at Wanfutai Stage万福台): Yue Opera is performed from 13:30 to 15:30 on weekends and on the first and fifteenth days of the Chinese lunar calendar.

The Lion Dance Performance is a highlight of the Ancestral Temple as it is a combination of Chinese Martial Arts, dancing, and drum music. It is a 40-minute performance outside Wong Fei Hung Memorial Hall by professional masters and apprentices from Foshan martial arts schools . You will have a better understanding of the martial arts that have influenced the world greatly and so many Chinese are proud of. As an outstanding representative of Lingnan folk culture listed in China's intangible heritage , the Lion dance is also known as Guangdong People's extreme sport . The lion's head weighs up to 7 kilograms . If the performer lacks sufficient arm strength, they would be unable to operate the mechanism to make the lion blink its eyes and move its ears. Lions are considered auspicious creatures for warding off evil and bringing good fortune. During festivals or major events, lion dances are a must in Foshan, and this tradition has been passed down through generations. There are three traditional colors for the lion in a lion dance: yellow, red, and black. They respectively represent Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, historical figures from the Three Kingdoms period in Cantonese opera. The black lion, representing Zhang Fei, signifies dominance and valor and often appears as a competitive lion in martial arts competitions. The most common lions seen in celebrations are red and yellow. Typically, it takes over 1,300 steps and at least a week to complete the production of a lion head. It takes three years to become an outstanding lion dance team member.

Note: If you are interested in a Chinese Kung Fu Lesson , please contact us in advance to arrange it for you, as there are many martial arts schools (Wing Chun Kung Fu Schools) in Foshan.

The Cantonese Opera Performance is another highlight of the Ancestral Temple as it is an important Lingnan culture that even affects Lingnan Architecture . Originating in Foshan, Cantonese opera is listed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO . You can watch the opera in Wanfutai Ancient Stage on festive occasions. With a history of more than 300 years (since 1685), the stage not only witnessed the long history of Cantonese opera but also reminded us why there are Cantonese opera scenes in Lingnan Architecture . You may notice the photo in your ticket of the Ancestors' Temple and remember the architectural ridge tile on the three gates (三门) which is decorated with Shiwan ceramics of characters and immortals, birds, beasts, insects, fish, miniature bonsai, vegetables, fruits, and utensils... Built in 1450, it is a magnificent 31.7-meter-long and 1.78-meter-high ridge featuring 152 pottery figures, making it the longest surviving ridge tile in China. It is renowned as the " King of the Ridge Tile ". The pottery figures are slightly tilted forward to facilitate viewing from below. You can even discover scenes from traditional Cantonese opera performances, such as the Cowherd and Weaver Girl (牛郎织女), Nezha's Battle in the Seas (哪吒闹海), and Mu Guiying Taking Command (穆桂英挂帅). These architectural ridge tiles represent a unique form of decorative art in Lingnan architecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties and are closely related to the popular Cantonese opera art of that time. Incorporating excerpts from Cantonese opera onto the ridge decorations reflects the passion of the people of Shiwan Town for Cantonese opera and represents a significant artistic innovation by the pottery sculptors of Shiwan .

Note: If you are interested in Cantonese Opera and would like to visit Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum (Free admission, Closed on Mondays; 9:00-16:30兆祥公园内), please contact us in advance to arrange it for you if time permits.

Then, pay a visit to Liang Garden (梁园), a representative masterpiece of Lingnan Gardens , which is the collective term for the private gardens of the Liang family in Foshan. Liang Garden, together with Yuyin Hill House in Panyu of Guangzhou, Qinghui Garden in Shunde of Foshan, and Ke Garden in Guancheng of Dongguan, is recognized as the " Four Famous Gardens of Lingnan ". The entire garden was gradually constructed between 1796 and 1850 by four renowned local literati: Liang Airu, Liang Jiuhua, Liang Jiuzhang, and Liang Jiutu. Liang Garden is small in size but with halls, pavilions, ponds, and bridges cleverly seated inside which harmoniously combines residences, ancestral halls, and gardens. Its distinctive feature lies in the use of diverse stone elements as the primary landscaping technique, creating a meticulously designed layout. The interior of the garden showcases exquisite Lingnan-style furniture and Manchu windows, adding to its unique charm. When visiting Liang Garden, you may come across locals taking wedding photos here. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the name "Liang Garden" sounds similar to "good marriage" (良缘) in Chinese, symbolizing an auspicious beginning for couples. Enjoy your leisurely walk in Liangyuan Garden in the tranquility of nature.

In the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll at the  Lingnan Tiandi (岭南天地), which was once a prosperous area in Foshan and where each building serves as a witness to the city's history. Lingnan Tiandi boasts 22 cultural relic protection sites, 128 historical buildings, and 8 historical lanes and streets. As you explore, you'll be enchanted by the Lingnan-style architecture , including arcades, green brick houses, and stone roads. Today, Lingnan Tiandi has transformed into a thriving local street that harmoniously blends traditional Lingnan architecture with contemporary amenities. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of shops, cafes, dessert huts, restaurants, and entertainment options. Overnight in Foshan.

This morning, depart from Foshan and head to Kaiping (120km, 2 hours) for a visit to the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (开平碉楼与村落), the only World Cultural Heritage Site in Guangdong province. Kaiping County is located in Jiangmen City, which has gained recognition in China due to the filming of popular movies and TV shows such as "Let the Bullets Fly" (让子弹飞), "The Grandmaster" (一代宗师), and "Kuang Biao"(狂飙). Locals refer to Jiangmen as " The Hometown of Overseas Chinese " (华侨之乡), while Kaiping in Jiangmen is renowned worldwide as " The Kingdom of Diaolou " (碉楼之乡) for its 1,833 well-preserved Diaolou architectures dating back to 1920s. The oldest existing Diaolou was constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Today you will you visit Zili Village and Li Garden , the best representations of Diaolou, to discover what is Diaolou , why there are so many Diaolou, and the stories behind the Diaolou. And why Kaiping Diaolou is the first World Heritage project for an international "culture of immigrants".

Due to Kaiping's low-lying topography, local people historically built Diaolou as refuges against summer monsoonal floods and social unrest. As remittances from overseas increased, banditry in the area also grew, leading to the popularity of the Diaolou. Primarily categorized into 3 types based on their functions: watchtowers , communal towers (temporary refuge), and residential towers (fortified residences), you can see that the earlier Diaolou structures have thick walls with gun holes, three layers of doors, and four layers of windows. Each window is equipped with glass windows to withstand wind and rain, iron columns to deter thieves, screens to prevent mosquitoes and insects, and feature German-imported steel plates for bullet protection. In 2006, Zili Village was awarded the "Golden Prize for the 50 Places in China Most Worth Visiting by Foreigners".

In Zili Village (自力村) , derived from the meaning of " self-reliance 自食其力 " in Chinese , you will see 15 Diaolou buildings standing in the farmland (rice field), their surrounding village houses, and the agricultural landscape are all authentic. As a living museum of modern architecture, you will discover that many residents still live here today. You can walk into the multi-storeyed defensive buildings like Mingshi Tower (铭石楼open for tourists), showcasing the original furnishings of the owners , and witness a chapter of history where the people of the overseas Chinese community struggled hard and defended their homes. The Mingshi Tower (铭石楼), a must-visit landmark in Zili Village and known as the home of Huang Silang (黄四郎) in the movie "Let the Bullets Fly," is a relatively tall building where many artifacts from that era are preserved. You can step onto the rooftop and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire village. It feels as if you are transported to the 1920s and 1930s, with an abundance of Foreign-style buildings dotted on the contrast Chinese Lingnan local countryside.

Kaiping Diaolou is hailed as a "stylish" rural construction that combines defense, residence, and the art of both Eastern and Western architectural styles . It integrates various elements such as traditional Chinese hard-pitched and hanging-pitched roofs, as well as foreign styles such as the "ancient Greek colonnade," "ancient Roman arches and columns", "Gothic pointed arch", "Islamic cusped arches and iron carvings", "Baroque floral motifs", and "Portuguese arcade," bringing together the essence of architectural styles from around the world. These “ugly” extraordinary Diaolou buildings are the creative outcomes of the collaboration between the owners, local builders, and craftsmen. The owners of Kaiping Diaolou are numerous overseas Chinese or people of Chinese origin who have resided in various countries in South Asia, Australasia, and North America, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When they returned to their hometown, they not only brought back funds but also infused them with Chinese and Western structural and decorative forms. During both the design and construction process, they freely imitated, modified, pieced together, and fused elements from both Chinese and Western architectural styles . Many materials, including cement and reinforcing steel bars, were imported through Hong Kong.

Then, move to Li Garden (立园), the Best Overseas Chinese Garden in China. It was built by Xie Wei Li (谢维立), an overseas Chinese in the US, between 1926 and 1936, draws inspiration from the "Grand View Garden" (大观园) depicted in the novel " Dream of the Red Chamber " (红楼梦). With the main garden, small gardens, and the villa area, it cleverly combines the charm of classical gardens and Jiangnan Water town with the distinctive architectural features of contemporary villas popular in Europe and America, presenting a " Mini Grand View Garden ". Its aesthetic concept revolves around "small bridges, flowing water, and homes." You can enjoy the beauty of nature, with artificial rivers or walls separating different sections, connected by bridges, pavilions, and covered walkways. You will marvel at the garden within the garden and the scenery within the scenery, which creates a captivating and thought-provoking experience. You will see a statue of Mr. Xie Wei Li, the former owner of the Li Garden, and the name Li Garden is from his name. Can you imagine that he used to come home by boat? He took 10 years to complete the garden and invested a huge amount of money to excavate a 20-kilometer-long small canal , connecting Li Garden to the Tan River (潭江One of the rivers in the Pearl River Delta water system), for convenient transportation of building materials. Don't forget to appreciate the abundant calligraphy and couplets by renowned calligraphers, carrying rich cultural connotations. The exquisite gray sculptures and murals, filled with romantic and legendary elements, transport you to a realm of enchantment.

Tips for Kaiping Diaolou and Village Photography: 1. March to April is a good time for capturing watchtowers with large-scale golden rape flowers. 2. June to August is ideal for photographing the Diaolou with lotus flowers. 3. October to November is the high season for shooting buildings against golden rice fields. 4. Throughout the four seasons, you can capture different photos of the paddy fields around Zili Village.

Then, head back to Guangzhou (140km,3h). It is time to end your 3-day Guangzhou Foshan Kaiping tour . Your guide will escort you to the Guangzhou airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip around China/Asia.

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Destination(s): Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou/Shenzhen

Date of Experience: Jul 19, 2023

Tour Customized by: Nicole

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6 Days Best of Guangdong Tour with Stunning Attractions

Comprehensive Way to Explore All the Best Highlights of Guangdong Province

Guangdong Province is situated at the southernmost tip of mainland China bordering Hong Kong and Macau. It has a number of unique characteristics that make it different from the rest of China, including dialects, folk customs, cuisine, history and culture. Exciting modernity blends with the region’s ancient Lingnan culture , as well as its exclusive historical and natural attractions , to make Guangdong Province a fascinating travel destination.

Besides the brilliant culture and natural beauty, most of travelers get to Guangdong to seek for deep cultural connections as well as get back their homeland to witness the huge change and fast development arose their complicated feelings from their innermost heart. This 6-days Guangdong tour takes you get to the most familiar parts in and around Guangzhou (Guangzhou - Foshan - Jiangmen - Shenzhen). You’ll head to "the Hometown of Lingnan Culture" to enjoy the true art of Lingnan architecture and folk Lion dance and one more day takes you to the overseas Chinese homeland to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Kaiping Diaolou & Villages . Many stunning attractions and great experience are combined into one trip which are definitely worth your exploration. Go with us!

Basic Trip Information

• 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
• 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
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Full Itinerary Day by day (Can Be Customized)

Welcome to Guangzhou , the City of Rams! Situated in south China, Guangzhou is a “hot” metropolis for relaxation, food exploration, business communication and seeking of culture, history, arts of Lingnan Area. Upon your arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport or railway stations in Guangzhou and then escort you to your hotel in downtown and help you check in. The rest of the day is free on your own to take a nice break or explore this city.

Arrival Idea:  Guangzhou is a large international city with great transportation connections including many international and domestic flights to and from. Furthermore, high speed trains are quite convenient from most domestic cities including Hong Kong (about 1 hour), Shenzhen (0.5-1.5 hours), Guilin (2.5-3.5 hours), Beijing (8-10 hours), Shanghai (7-8.5 hours), Chengdu (9-10 hours), Guiyang (4-6.5 hours), Xian (8-9 hours), Hangzhou (6-7.5 hours), and so on.

Evening Optional Experience:  Enjoy the 70-minute fascinating Pearl River night cruise sailing along the mother river of Guangzhou people and soak in the wonderful sightseeing of lights and neon of historical architectures and new modern towering buildings to feel the pulse of this developed city. You won’t miss the Canton Tower during the cruise.

After breakfast, your local guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Start to explore the old and new Guangzhou City from  Yuexiu Park , the largest city park in Guangzhou. Stroll leisurely in the verdant park to see the Five Rams Statue from which you will savor the interesting legendary story of the five rams and know why Guangzhou is called the “City of Rams”. Then, continue to appreciate a five-storey ancient structure in red - Zhenhai Tower which was changed as Guangzhou Museum. Have a brief learning about Guangzhou’s over 2000 years’ history and if you like, climb up the tower to get a bird’s-eye view of Guangzhou City. After the morning stretching with fresh air, move your steps to the nearby  Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall  which was built in memory of the great revolutionist Sun Yat-sen. Enjoy the Chinese and Western combining styled octagon-shaped main building in bright red and blue from outside. Enter the hall to know Dr. Sun deeper with excellent exhibitions of his biography and contribution to the country and people, and get a simple learning about the contemporary history of China in the 18th - 19th centuries. Before leaving, admire the 5.5-meter tall bronze statue of Dr. Sun outside in the yard and show your respect to this world famous great Father of the Nation in China.

In this afternoon, visit the must-see  Chen Clan Ancestral Hall  which is regarded as the largest, most beautifully decorated and best preserved traditional ancestral temple in Guangdong Province. Roam among the tranquil houses and courtyards built during 1888-1894 to discover its architectural origin and find out whether it was an ancestral hall or an academy for the Chen Family in Guangdong initially. Since it is famous as the “Pearl of Lingnan Architectural Art”, you will taste the super exquisite colorful decorations of vivid patterns of various flora and fauna, figures and immortals to feel the highly skillful construction and decoration of Lingnan people and know their typical folk culture and best wishes of harvest and prosperity in ancient China. Later, be transferred for about 10 minutes’ driving to see the quite different  Shamian Island   where over 150 European styled old buildings from the colonial period from 19th century are well preserved for a nice savory. Take a relaxing walk in the strongly exotic street block in emerald and imagine the past life and changes of Guangzhou told by those historical remains.

After the exploration, be transferred to the urban central axis in Zhujiang New Town to see the modern cityscape of Guangzhou at  Huacheng Square . Have a leisure stroll between the glittery skyscrapers and peculiar shaped modern buildings to feel the fast development of this metropolis. Most importantly, appreciate the slim outline of the iconic  Canton Tower  on the opposite bank of Pearl River.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel.

After breakfast, your local guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Guangzhou downtown and drive about 1 hour to  Foshan City  that is famous for martial arts, ceramics and lion dancing.

Start your cultural exploration from the must-visit  Ancestral Temple . Here with rich arrays of relics and materials, you will have a good understanding of Yip Man (Ye Wen) and Wong Fei Hung (Huang Feihong), two real masters of martial arts in modern times of China who have influences on the world about Kung Fu in China! Yip Man is a master of Wing Chun Martial Art and is the master of the world well known Bruce Lee. Wong Fei Hung is a representative master of Hung boxing, and also excellent at lion dance. You won’t miss the wonderful live lion dance performance (0.5 hour) to enjoy the folk art combining martial arts, dance and music together and know why it is so favored by Cantonese around the world on festivals and red-letter days. Furthermore, you will appreciate many fantastic typical Lingnan styled decorations of vivid sculptures and carvings about historic stories and traditional operas.

Continue your steps to the nearby  Lingnan Tiandi , once was the rich area in Foshan and now is a top best to admire the multiple exquisite historic Lingnan constructions to seek the traditional culture of Foshan as a famous thousand-year-old commercial city. Walk in leisure to savor the prosperity left and the modern leisure life style along the winding paved streets. If you are interested, take a short visit to the nearby  Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum  to have a basic understanding of Cantonese opera.

Then, be driven about 15 minutes to visit  Ancient Nanfeng Kiln  in Shiwan. This site tells the high status of Shiwan in Foshan as the “Capital of Ceramics in Southern China”. Its rare Nanfeng Kiln and Gao Kiln built 500 years ago and listed in the World Guinness Record are still under production. Visit the kilns, houses and paths to feel the past bustling production by ancient Foshan workers. Besides, take another fun stroll on  Shiwan Doll Street  outside, where countless interesting ceramic dolls with high skills are displayed in those shops hidden in the ancient arcade buildings.

Optional Cultural Experience:  You can also enrich your Foshan cultural experience by learning the  pottery art making  (0.5 hour),  martial arts practicing  (1 hour) or  paper cutting  (1 hour) during your visit at Ancient Nanfeng Kiln. Such optional cultural activities need extra fees. Just tell us if you are interested.

Tip of Lion Dance Performance:  The Lion Dance performance in Ancestral Hall is held on 10:00-10:40, 14:15-14:55 and 15:30-16:10 every day, however, it is not available on rainy days.

After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Foshan.

In this morning, you’ll be driven from Foshan to Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in Jiangmen City (about 2-2.5 hours’ driving). The over 1,800 precious and well-kept watchtowers together was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2007 with rich value to know culture and history of overseas Chinese from Guangdong in the 16th - 19th centuries. Our guide will take you to appreciate Li Garden and Zili Village, the two most popular and featured diaolou villages. Besides the outlook of the western styled watchtowers, you won’t miss to enter the watchtower buildings and have a historic look at the tasteful layout with lots of furnishing and decorations imported from overseas countries. Every detail tells the particular life and house of overseas Chinese who worked hard to succeed in another country and pursued a better future of their family and nation.

First visit  Li Garden  that is treated as a top excellent private garden built by overseas Chinese. Wander in the villa styled garden to admire its outstanding combination of typical traditional classic garden in ancient China and graceful features of European and American villa constructions. Take your time to discover every corner and every floor to savor the interest of the lovely Chinese pond, pavilion, bridge, Western styled artistic decorations and local Lingnan featured sculptures and carvings.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred for about 10 minutes to the nearby  Zili Village . This village has the largest number of diaolou buildings among all the four Kaiping villages designated by the UNESCO, showing the silver age of Kaiping diaolous with delicate diaolou buildings distributed harmoniously. Admire its rich western styled watchtowers dotted on the contrast Chinese Lingnan local countryside to find out why it is one of the best beautiful diaolou villages in China. Just get to the top of those watchtowers where you will take nice photos of the full view of watchtower clusters with the backdrop of idyllic countryside sightseeing of Lingnan village, including blossoms, pond, farm lands, winding rural paths, domestic animals, etc. After the sightseeing, be driven for about 3 hours back to Guangzhou. Have a nice sleep!

Useful Tips for Kaiping Diaolou and Village Photography:  1. March to April is good for shooting watchtowers with large scaled golden rape flowers; June to July is great to catch vibrant scene of verdant paddy fields; July to August is the high season for shooting lovely lotus flowers and the dancing lotus leaves. 2. Nearly all watchtowers are allowed to go up for village full view, and the top one recommendation is Longsheng Building near Ju’an Building in Zili Village.

In this morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and be escorted to the railway station for a high speed train to Shenzhen, which needs about 0.5-1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide at the arrival hall of the train station. Your amazing Shenzhen tour starts. First, you will see the modern face of Shenzhen by getting atop the 600-meter tall skyscraper -  Ping’an Financial Center . It is the tallest building in Shenzhen, the second tallest building in China and the 4th tallest building in the world. Reach Free Sky at 116th floor to catch a panoramic view of Shenzhen as well as overlook Hong Kong in far distance. Afterwards, be driven to  Shenzhen Museum  for a better understanding about this migrant city turning from a fishing village to the first-tier class metropolis in China within 40 years. Enjoy many informative displays and learn the history from ancient times to modern life.

In this afternoon, be transferred to  Splendid China Folk Village  to have a glimpse of vast China and experience the colorful culture of ethnic minorities of China. Walk and recognize the iconic sites in Splendid China Miniature Park which is composed of 82 reproductions of beautiful scenery, grand architecture, historical sites and traditional dwellings of China. You won’t miss Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Potala Palace, Mogao Caves, Li River, Leshan Giant Buddha, Stone Forest etc. Traveling across China within short time, you’ll be enchanted with China’s profound history, culture, natural beauty, palaces, temples and pagodas in one go. Then, take a stroll at China Folk Culture Village to explore 27 different ethnic villages built with the proportion of 1:1, experience brilliant culture, unique folk customs and hospitality of the ethnic groups. Watch interesting performances at their villages at the scheduled time. If your time allows, enjoy the fantastic performance called “New Oriental Neon Costumes” at Impression China Theater at 17:00, and “Dragon and Phoenix Dance” at Phoenix Square at 19:30.

Today, you will say goodbye with Shenzhen! After breakfast, your local guide and driver will send you from your hotel to the airport, train station or port to catch the flight / train / Ferry to your next destination or home. Service ends!

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Departure Ideas: Shenzhen borders Hong Kong in the south well linked by high speed train, metro, or coach/bus. There are 10 checkpoints you can select to leave for Hong Kong from Shenzhen. If you need more info, please feel free to contact our professional travel consultants.

Recommended Add-on Options

Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area, with the Victoria Peak , Victoria Harbour and the Tian Tan Giant Buddha among the most awe-inspiring. You'll be amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside.

Guilin, the darling of tourists!

Guilin is famous for having the best landscape under Heaven which can be seen in three most popular places - Guilin , Yangshuo and Longsheng . Only 3 days are needed to get them all in a single trip. You will visit the essential sites in the city, enjoy a relaxing cruise along Li River , and have a pleasant time of countryside exploration in Yangshuo Town . Another highlight is the unique trip to Longji Terrace which is an ideal place for experiencing ethnic culture, hiking and photography.

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. 2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels. 3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025. 4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary;
• Necessary transfers as listed in the itinerary;
• Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak;
• Jetfoil between Hong Kong and Macau;
• All meals as listed (“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
• Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

• China visa;
• Macau visa-on-arrival;
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
• All meals during the itinerary;
• Single Room Supplement;
• Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary;
• Recommended optional activities;
• Boat experience at Aberdeen Fishing Village;
• Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.;
• Personal expenses.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

I apologize for the delayed response as I've been occupied with work.

In response to your query, here are my feedback:

1. Is your travel consultant of our company fast enough to answer your E-mail and patient enough to answer your questions? Absolutely, you were incredibly prompt in responding to my numerous queries and helped ensure a smooth trip planning process.

2. How is tour arrangement, including the drivers,tour guides,hotels,etc? The trip was fantastic. Our guide, Jerry, was exceptional and extremely knowledgeable, making our visit to Huangshan truly memorable.

3. Would you like to recommend our company? Certainly. I will wholeheartedly recommend China Discovery to friends and family planning future trips to China

Hi Samantha,

yes we had a good time at the panda volunteer program. Thanks for helping us to arrange it.

Thank you very much for organizing the tour. We enjoyed it a lot. We also had been quite lucky with the weather in Jiuzhaiguo. Colors of the lakes has been fantastic. I still owe you the feedback - it will take some time as I’m quite busy now. But we already filled the feedback forms with the guides. Thanks to Jason and Michael nd they has asking me about my tour. I hv recommend them to contact you.

we had such a great time in Guilin and had a great experience with our tour guide Lynn! Thank you. It has been wonderful so far! We are very pleased with the tour.

Feedback as follows:

1. Yes, the travel consultant is very prompt in responding to queries etc

2. All the arrangements are excellent, no complaints at all, the tour guides are very knowledgeable and helpful and courteous.

3. Definitely, already recommended to some of my friends who are planning to go to China this year.

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

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Hong Kong / Shenzhen / Macau / Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Guangzhou / Shenzhen / Macau / Hong Kong

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kaiping

Things to do in kaiping, explore popular experiences, tours in and around kaiping.

• UNESCO Watchtowers Heritage and Ancient Villages Private Tour

• All Inclusive Kaiping Diaolou Heritage Private Day Trip from Guangzhou

• Private Day Tour to Kaiping Diaolou World Heritage from Shenzhen

Kaiping & Taishan Diaolou and Villages Tour

Kaiping One Day Excursion Tour including Diaolou, Zili Village, Chikan Town

Kaiping Diaolou 2-Day Private Tour from Guangzhou

One day Kaiping Diaolou Tour from Guangzhou with the Lunch

• Kaiping Diaolou Day Tour to Zili, Li yuan, Chikan Village from Guangzhou

Romantic Tour in Jiangmen

The Best of Jiangmen Walking Tour

Top attractions in kaiping.

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Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

• Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
• Watchtower Group of Zili Village
• Kaiping Garden
• Ma-Xianglong Towers Group
• Jiangmen Zili Village Watch Tower
• Kaiping & Taishan Diaolou and Villages Tour

How to visit Summer Palace (Tips, Photos & Map)

A comprehensive guide to visiting the temple of heaven.

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How to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall （Tips,Photos & Map）

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• Guangdong Travel

How to Visit Kaiping Diaolou from Guangzhou

• Kaiping Travel

Plan your Guangzhou tour ?  A side trip to Kaiping County, 130km southwest of Guangzhou is highly recommended. Kaiping is world famous for its Diaolou (fortified village houses ), pristine villages and old townships. Kaiping Diaolous and villages were named as World Cultural Heritage in 2007 for their harmonious fusion between Chinese and Western structures.

Kaiping Diaolous were originally built in the early Qing Dynasty and fully developed in 1920s and 1930s. There are mainly three kinds of fortified village towers:  Watch Towers, Communal Towers and Dwelling Towers. Watch towers were built to guide against any possible forays by bandits; communal towers were built collectivly with the fund raised by all the villagers.

They would hide themselves in case of bandits’ attack. These kinds of communal towers were often built behind villages while watch towers were built at the entrance of a village. Dwelling Towers were built as a combination of a residential house and a watch tower. Today, approximately 1,833 diaolou towers remain standing in Kaiping County.

All the diaolou towers are now scattered around the villages in Kaiping County.  Some villages have been chosed by the local tourism bureau to be open to the public. These selected villages have been turned into a large “Diaolou Tourist Site” with tourism administration.

A combo ticket allows you to visit three villages where the most representitive diaolou towers stand. The three villages are Zili Village (自立村) in Tangkou Township, Majianglong Village (马降龙村) in Baihe Township and Jinjiangli (锦江里) in Jiangang Township.

Most of the tall and impressive diaolou towers were funded and built by oversea Chinese returning home from South Asia, Australasia, and North America.  The Kaiping diaolou towers were built in a variety of architectural styles featuring a perfect combination of traditional Chinese watchtowers and classical European architecture.

The combo ticket also allows you to visit Li Garden ( 立园) in Beiyi Xiang,which was built in 1936 by Mr. Xie Weili, a Chinese emigrant to the United States.  On your village trip in Kaiping, you can visit Chikan (赤坎), the charming old town with the featuring Qilou structures.

How to go to the selected villages in Kaiping from Guangzhou？

1) Take buses: you may take buses to Kaiping Yici Bus Station from Guangzhou Bus Station ( by the Guangzhou Railway Station) : 145-149 Huanshi West Road, Guangzhou Tel: (020)86661297.  When you reach Yici Bus Station in Kaiping, you may connect local buses to your selected villages.

2) Hire a private vehicle with a driver or self-drive. It is highly advised to hire a private car or van to tour freely around these villages.

Now follow me to have a glimpse of the diaolou towers, Li Garden and Chikan in  the villages and townships in Kaiping.

Dialou Towers in Zili Village of  Tangkou Township

The two Diaolou Towers behind the small Zili Village

The two Diaolou Towers stand amid the paddy fields

Diailou Towers in Majianglong Village of Jiangan Township

The diaolou tower is harmoniously nestled in the greenery of the village.

The walled Diaolou towers in Jiangan Village

The three magnificent diaolou towers in Jinjiangli Village of Baihe Township.

Ruishi Lou,the highest tower in Kaiping

Shengfeng Lou, one of the most beautiful towers in Kaiping

The charming old town of Chikan

The the streets of shophouses with an arcade on the ground floor, the fusion of Chinese and western styles.

The streets are viewd from the bridge over Tanjiang River in the town

Tip : Hassle-free Guangzhou Guided Tours If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for guided tours to Guangzhou:

Guangzhou Half Day Tour   from US$75 p/p Guangzhou Highlight Day Tour     from US$80  p/p

Guangzhou Day Trip to Kaiping   from US$95  p/p

Further Readings

Top 10 Attractions in Guangzhou How to Visit Guangzhou in One Day Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruises How to Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Guangzhou How to Visit Mausoleum of the Nanyue King How to Visit Kaiping Diaolou from Guangzhou

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