In the middle of Guangdong province, in the provincial metropolis of Jiangmen, lies a hidden gem called Kaiping. It is a place that captures the spirit of cultural heritage and architectural beauty. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, Kaiping has grown into a classic 5A tourist destination in China. It has the power to enchant tourists with its breathtaking scenery and rich history. Famous across the world, the Diaolou are a type of watchtower home that originated in Kaiping during the Qing Dynasty and survived into the early 20th century, about 1920–1930. The Diaolou is what really makes Kaiping famous, in case you didn't know. Spread out across the countryside, these architectural wonders—which amount to more than 2,000 in total—stand guard over the peaceful fields of Kaiping, preserving the past. Similar structures may still be seen in the Zhongshan region, the place where I was born and brought up; they give the locals a feeling of historical refinement. On the other hand, Kaiping is home to the most of these watchtowers. They seem to be struggling against the hands of time, especially the curiously angled ones.
Revitalizing the Che Khan Kaiping Historic SiteChe Khan, the ancient heart of Kaiping that dates back to 1649, was a thriving market place in all of South China until the 1930s. Despite its slightly dilapidated attractiveness, this neighborhood offers a glimpse into a bygone era thanks to the establishments owned by immigrants. The site was in dire need of care and attention when I last visited it five years ago; however, a government program allocated six billion yuan in 2017 to help with the restoration. Even if much of the town is still concealed from view, a stroll along its periphery offers tempting glimpses of a heritage that is undergoing revival.
An Examination of the Diaolous at the Site
As one continues their journey into Kaiping, they will come across My Long Village. This tourist spot is famous for the Diaolous that it has managed to maintain. It has preserved its historical charm despite being equipped with contemporary comforts including parking spaces, tourist boutiques, and restaurants. Both its functionality and its visual attractiveness are met in equal measure. With designs that blend Western and Chinese architectural traditions, the Diaolous edifices attest to the worldwide impact of Kaiping. The unique architectural style of these landmarks is mostly the work of Chinese expats who were able to fund their construction with their vast incomes abroad. In addition to housing people, the Diaolous represent the perseverance and ingenuity of the Chinese people living abroad.
The ancestral hall for the Huong family, situated within this town, is a significant landmark that embodies the social and familial ties that have sustained Chinese culture down the years. A true fortress of history, the structure's enormous concrete walls have withstood the test of time and battle. The sixth floor has a common area that, via a set of stairs leading to a viewing platform on the seventh floor, offers breathtaking views of the rural landscape below. The hall is where everyone congregates. The Hwang family and the greater Kaiping community are an inspiration due to their strength and unity, and this building is a powerful symbol of those attributes.
A Blend of Natural and Historical Components
In close proximity to the hamlet lies a bamboo grove; the tour will meander through it, perhaps spotting the Diaolous peering through the verdant foliage. Ingeniously designed for defense, these man-made wonders matched the scenery well. Their precise placement allowed them to have gun ports. The construction of the Lynn Villa in 1936 by a Chinese immigrant from Mexico residing abroad serves as a prime example of this inquiry. The forest engulfs this villa, as it does many others in the area, and its presence is a secret kept among the trees. Within the village, encircled by a forest, adventurers can find trails leading to mountain summits, offering vistas that have remained untouched by the passage of time.
Last Reflections
Kaiping is more than simply a place; it's a journey through time, where the built and natural environments tell tales of culture, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Kaiping offers a diverse array of experiences that enchant and motivate tourists. Among these attractions are the gravity-defying Diaolous, the revitalized historic center, and the ancestral halls with tales spanning generations. As we journey through these areas, we are more than just visitors; we are time travelers bearing witness to the heritage of a people who have thrived in the face of adversity. At every turn, you will hear a narrative that adds thread to the magnificent tapestry of China's cultural past, and you are warmly encouraged to partake in all that Kaiping has to offer.