Kaiping & Taishan Diaolou and Villages Tour
Description
Kaiping and Taishan are well known as the hometown of overseas Chinese in Southern China. Diaolou structures were built from the time of the Ming Dynasty to the early 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1920s and 1930s, with the financial aid of overseas Cantonese, when there were more than three thousand of these structures. Today, approximately 1800 Diaolous remain standing in Kaiping, and approximately 500 in Taishan. Today few of these villages and Diaolous have been recently restored, and some of them became quite a famous tourist destination as Li Yuan garden, Zilicun, Majanlong in Kaiping. But we will take you to the unexplored village and visit their original diaolous.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After a scenic two-hour drive from Guangzhou, we will begin our adventure by visiting one of the oldest Diaolou in Kaiping, a stunning example of traditional architecture. Following our exploration, we’ll treat your taste buds to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring the renowned Claypot Eel Rice and flavorful Steamed Minced Pork Balls. Join us for this delightful culinary experience that perfectly complements our cultural journey!
Explore the captivating Diaolous in Zili Village, where you'll discover the intriguing stories and rich history behind these architectural marvels. Immerse yourself in the local culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of these unique structures during our visit!
A beautiful private garden built by returning overseas Chinese. Stroll through the serene courtyards, admire the intricate pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, and discover the rich cultural stories behind this classic Lingnan-style garden.
Discover the heritage of Taishan, a city that has long drawn overseas Chinese back to their roots. Explore the Qing-era historical buildings within the old city walls, rebuilt as arcade-style structures while retaining the original street textures.
Continue to a nearby village to explore an impressive watchtower built in the early 1920s by returning overseas Chinese, incorporating Western-inspired design elements. Take in panoramic views from the rooftop and explore the interiors to feel the historical ambiance firsthand.
Visit the former harbor where Taishan locals embarked on overseas voyages, and learn about the history of silver remittances and the Chinese diaspora from this region.
The second stop is Mei's Grand Courtyard, jump out to explore the historic old architectures with us. This is a nice stop to absorb some culture and history of overseas Chinese building nice complex back home to families and honoring heritage & traditions.
For a relaxing end to the day, you may enjoy a natural sulfur hot spring, cherished by locals for decades. Originally a village bathhouse and renovated in the 1980s with overseas donations, this hot spring provides a soothing and cultural experience. Please bring your swimsuit and towel if you wish to include this optional activity—advance notice is required.
Highlights
What's included
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
