Discover a "bulk" little Europe in Guangdong! The romance of East meets West in this rice field

Kaiping Diaolou is just "unbelievable"! Over 100 years ago, local overseas Chinese directly "copied" various styles from Greece, Rome, and Byzantium back to rural Guangdong, blending them with traditional Chinese architecture, resulting in China’s first Overseas Chinese Cultural World Heritage site. Last year, I stayed in Kaiping for a week, spending every day searching for these "East-West fusion" diaolou by the rice fields and bamboo groves, like a treasure hunt—so fascinating!

🏮 Kaiping Diaolou: A century-crossing architectural adventure

🏯 Diaolou highlights: Don’t just snap a photo and leave

Zili Village Diaolou Cluster – This is the filming location of "Let the Bullets Fly," the most photogenic spot! Fifteen diaolou scattered between rice fields and ponds. I especially love going early morning or at dusk, when the diaolou’s shadows reflect in the water—every shot looks like an ink painting. Be sure to climb to the top of Mingshi Tower; the view is incredible—panoramic rural scenery of the entire Zili Village, making you feel like you own the whole diaolou kingdom.

Liyuan Garden – This place is so romantic! Built over ten years by overseas Chinese Mr. Xie Weili in the U.S., it perfectly blends Chinese garden elements like "small bridges, flowing water, and homes" with Western architecture. Walking through the garden, you see Chinese gray relief murals one moment and European Roman columns the next—it’s like traveling between the Grand View Garden and a European castle. I recommend wearing a qipao or Republic of China-style outfit for photos; the effect is stunning!

Majanglong Ancient Village – Praised by UN experts as "the most beautiful village in the world," and it truly lives up to the name. Seven diaolou hidden in dense bamboo groves, walking inside you can even smell the cool bamboo fragrance. Fewer people than Zili Village, making it perfect for a slow, quiet stroll.

Jinjiangli – Came specifically to see "Kaiping’s First Tower," Ruishi Tower. This diaolou is nine stories tall, the tallest and most beautiful surviving diaolou in Kaiping—truly breathtaking! The route is a bit tricky, so I recommend following navigation carefully.

Chikan Ancient Town – Here you’ll find nearly 3 kilometers of arcade streets, super spectacular! At dusk, you can take a rowboat and gently paddle to experience the tranquility and poetry of the water town. When the evening lights come on, riding the tram through the arcade streets really feels like stepping back a hundred years.

🛌 Accommodation Guide: Stay within the scenery

Diaolou Homestay Experience – Highly recommend staying a night in a diaolou converted into a homestay. The one I stayed in was converted from a 1924 diaolou, preserving the original exterior but with modern, comfortable rooms inside. Waking up to birdsong from the rice fields and stargazing in the courtyard at night—this experience is truly amazing! These homestays are usually close to main attractions, some within walking distance to Liyuan Garden.

Countryside Style Lodging – If you want to experience rural life, choose accommodations surrounded by rice fields, farmland, and ponds. These places have excellent ecological environments, allowing you to escape the city’s noise and bustle, perfect for relaxing.

Hotels Near Scenic Spots – Several hotels in Kaiping have teamed up with the Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Area to offer one-stop discount packages; staying at these hotels includes free entrance tickets. For those who want convenience, this is a great option.

🍜 Must-Try Food: Eat your way through Kaiping with this list

Taishan Eel Rice – This is definitely the king of Kaiping cuisine! The rice grains are distinct, the eel meat tender, and the best part is the golden crust at the bottom of the pot. Scrape it up and mix with eel shreds—it’s so fragrant you’ll forget to take photos. Remember to shout “want the crispy bottom” when ordering; it’s the local secret code.

Chikan Claypot Rice – Rumored to be the lunch supplier for the "Let the Bullets Fly" crew, the charcoal slow-cooked rice is incredibly fragrant! I recommend the frog + sausage combo; when you drizzle soy sauce, the sizzling sound is an ASMR lover’s dream.

Chikan Tofu Corners – The star snack of the ancient town, super photogenic! But be careful not to wear white when eating, as the oil splatters during frying can turn your clothes into a "polka dot dress." Don’t ask me how I know...

Magang Rice Noodles – Be sure to visit the old local favorite shop and watch the auntie "hand-make the rice noodles" like a martial arts master practicing inner strength—super impressive. These noodles are made from local "Magang glutinous rice," giving them a particularly smooth texture.

Enping Sesame Seed Cake – This "intangible cultural heritage glutinous cake" is even better cold. The crust is roasted crispy and fragrant, and when bitten into, the chewy, stretchy filling is like ice cream mochi. Perfect as a souvenir gift.

🚗 Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Save time, see more sights

Transportation is the biggest pain point – Kaiping Diaolou’s attractions are really spread out. The first time I went, I didn’t plan transportation well and wasted a lot of time on the road. Strongly recommend hiring a car for about 200 yuan a day; splitting among several people is very cost-effective. If you’re alone or few, consider renting an electric scooter; some scenic spots offer rentals.

Ticket Saving Tips – Don’t foolishly buy tickets for each attraction separately! Zili Village is 78 yuan, Liyuan Garden 100 yuan, Majanglong 50 yuan—buying separately is expensive. I suggest buying a package ticket: Liyuan + Zili Village for 150 yuan, or the Diaolou Cultural Area package (including Liyuan, Zili Village, Majanglong, Jinjiangli) for 180 yuan, valid for two days. Students, remember to bring your student ID for half-price discounts.

Beware of "Guides" – In some less developed diaolou villages, local villagers may offer to guide you. Politely decline unless you really need it, as they often ask for fees afterward.

Dining Options – Food choices inside scenic areas are limited and pricey. I recommend going to "Qiaoxiang Renjia" restaurant in Tangkou Town, where for about 50 yuan per person you can try local dishes like Kaiping beef and pineapple rice, or bring your own snacks for remote spots.

Tour Schedule – Avoid the midday heat and plan your route wisely. For example, visit Zili Village in the morning and Majanglong in the afternoon to avoid too much sun. Wearing lightweight sneakers is important because of the many stone paths.

📝 Practical Tips

Best Season: Rapeseed flowers bloom in February-March, creating a perfect photo backdrop with diaolou and flower fields.

Budget Reference: 2 days 1 night about 600-800 yuan per person (including transportation, tickets, food, and lodging).

Photo Tips: If you have a drone, definitely fly it—seeing the diaolou cluster from above is truly breathtaking. Great photo spots include the top of Mingshi Tower in Zili Village, the bamboo groves in Majanglong, and the small bridges and flowing water in Liyuan Garden.

Kaiping Diaolou is not just a bunch of cold buildings; it’s a microcosm of a century-old overseas Chinese culture. Standing before these weathered diaolou, you can truly feel the nostalgia and wisdom of overseas Chinese returning to their roots. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable diaolou trip! Feel free to leave questions for me~