This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commision at no additional expense to you.
One of China’s most unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in the unassuming town of Kaiping, China. Located in Guangdong Province in Southeast China, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are a unique site that blend ancient Chinese history with modern day Chinese culture.
What are Diaolou?
Diaolou were built throughout the countryside primarily in the village of Kaiping to serve as watchtowers and additional housing. The oldest Diaolou date back to the Ming Dynasty in the 1500s, with more modern towers built as recently as the 1930’s. Constructed primarily out of concrete, these watchtowers stand multi-stories high and tower over the village and nearby rice fields. Nowadays, many of the still standing Diaolou serve as museums standing amongst the houses and rice fields still being used.
Where to Visit Diaolou in Kaiping?
In their prime more than 3,000 Diaolou stood throughout the region, however only about 1,800 are still standing. Throughout Kaiping there are 5 Diaolou clusters that can visited. I visited the Zili cluster. Visiting a Diaolou cluster is a unique experience. While walking through the cluster, you’ll find a variety of Diaolou of different sizes and restoration.
Some will be in good enough condition that you can enter and climb to the top. These Diaolou serve as small museums, with each floor set up to replicate what life inside the Diaolou was like. You’ll pass floors that served as living quarters and kitchens as you climb up to the top. From the top, you’ll have a fantastic view overlooking the village. Walking between the Diaolou in the village will bring you past modern day houses and rice fields with locals at work. I found it very interesting to watch the locals living their life in a village so ancient.
