Guangzhou Travel Guide

Discover Guangzhou Self Guided Book is written by Janvi Tours, formerly Guangzhou Private Tour Guide Janvi or Guangzhou Tour Guide Janvi


Written by J. C.
Published August 2018

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Home Tour Options Pearl River Delta Tours Kaiping Diaolou and Village

Explore the Historic Kaiping Diaolou: Private Tours & Guide for Overseas Chinese

The itinerary begins at 9:30 AM with a departure from your downtown hotel in Guangzhou. After a two-hour drive, you will arrive at the Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourist Attraction. This site features historic clusters of diaolou (watchtowers) located in Zili Village, Majianglong, and Li Garden, showcasing a wealth of well-preserved diaolou, traditional folk houses, and picturesque landscapes. Here, you will encounter rivers, bamboo groves, fields, and lotus ponds that beautifully enhance the charm of these unique structures.

Discover Kaiping's UNESCO World Heritage-listed diaolou, historic villages, and vibrant cultural heritage. Book a tour with us to uncover the fascinating stories behind these stunning architectural treasures.

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Map of Kaiping Diaolou and Village

Highlights of Our Kaiping Diaolou Tours

The Li Garen

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Li Garden

Created in the early 20th century by Xie Weili, a Chinese-American, Li Garden combines elements of traditional Chinese gardens with European villa architecture. Inspired by the “Grand View Garden” from Dream of the Red Chamber, this stunning villa complex features intricate pavilions, bridges, and exquisite landscaping.

Zili Village

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Zili Village

Founded in 1837, Zili Village is known for its “Self-Reliance” heritage and remarkable diaolou structures. With 77 traditional dwellings, 9 watchtowers, and 6 villa-style cottages, Zili Village offers visitors a glimpse into Kaiping’s past. As a National Historical and Cultural Village, it holds stories of overseas Chinese communities, with many families supported by remittances from abroad.

Majianglong Village Cluster

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Majinglong Village

Located along the Tanjiang River, Majianglong Village includes Yong’an, Nan’an, Qinglin, Hedong, and Longjiang villages. Known for its unique combination of diaolou and villa-style houses built by overseas Chinese, Majianglong Village is an enchanting place where East meets West in architectural design.

The South Diaolou

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Kaiping The South Diaolou | Kaiping Nan Lou

A monument to heroism, the South Diaolou is remembered for the seven men who defended Kaiping against Japanese forces during WWII. It stands as a reminder of resilience and is a key Patriotism Education Base.

Jinjiangli Village

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Jinjiangli Village

This scenic village, nestled among mountains and rivers, is home to the iconic Ruishilou Diaolou, often regarded as the most beautiful in Kaiping. The harmonious blend of traditional Chinese and Western styles creates a picturesque scene, reflecting Kaiping’s unique architectural legacy.

Chikan Ancient Town

Kaiping Diaolou Tour | Chikan Ancient Town

Chikan Ancient Town, located in the western part of Kaiping, has been inhabited since the Song Dynasty and significantly influenced by two families: the Si Tu and Guan families. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the comprehensive development of the Tanjiang River basin, which flows through Chikan, provided opportunities for the town to transition from an agricultural society to a thriving commercial hub. In the 1920s, many wealthy overseas Chinese returned home with architectural blueprints, which they blended with local traditional styles. This resulted in the construction of over 680 unique buildings that showcase a fusion of Western architectural culture and Lingnan architectural features, known as "Chikan-style" architecture. In 2018, Chikan has been developed into a film city, losing much of its original local charm. The area can feel deserted at night, resembling a ghost town, and is not recommended for visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience.

 

Kaiping Diaolou Tour Packages

One-Day Kaiping Diaolou Tour

  1. Duration: Approx. 9 hours.
  2. Itinerary: Yinlong Diaolou ➜ Zili Village ➜ Li Garden.
  3. Price: Compact Car (1 to 3 participants): USD$280 | Sedan or SUV (3 to 4 participants): USD$400 | 7-Seater Vehicle (5 to 6 participants): USD$500.

Two-Day Kaiping Diaolou Tour

  1. Duration: 2 Days
  2. Itinerary: Zili Village ➜ Li Garden ➜ The South Diaolou ➜ Overnight in Kaiping ➜ Yinlong Diaolou ➜ Majianglong ➜ Jinjiangli
  3. Price: An additional USD$200~USD$280 on top of the one-day tour mentioned above.

What’s Included

  1. Personalized service from a knowledgeable local guide
  2. Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Downtown Guangzhou
  3. Air-conditioned private car with driver/guide (guide is also the driver)

Additional Costs

We keep tour prices low by excluding food and entrance fees, allowing flexibility in meal choices and budget. You are welcome to cover the guide’s meals (minimal expenses).

Sample Local Dishes:

  • Claypot Eel Rice: CNY ¥47
  • Braised Ribs with Dried Orange Peel: CNY ¥43
  • Steamed Pork Balls on Lotus Leaf: CNY ¥33
  • Five-Flavored Goose: CNY ¥43

Entrance Fees:

  • Zili Village and Li Garden Combo Ticket: CNY ¥150/person
  • Combo Ticket for 5 Attractions (valid for 2 days): CNY ¥180/person
  • 50% discounts for seniors and children

Embark on a journey through Kaiping’s architectural wonders and gain a deeper understanding of this region’s cultural heritage. Book your Kaiping Diaolou tour today to explore, connect, and experience a truly unique side of Guangdong!