From Guangzhou: UNESCO Watchtowers & Ancient Villages Tour｜China

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in central Guangzhou. As you leave the city, your guide will introduce the fascinating history of Kaiping’s Diaolou — multi-storey watchtowers built by overseas Chinese during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These unique structures combine defense, dwelling, and stylistic grandeur, and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zili Village Diaolou Cluster: home to some of the best-preserved and most photogenic Diaolou in the region. Surrounded by rice paddies, the towers rise dramatically against the rural landscape. Walking along stone paths between water-filled fields, you’ll visit several towers up close and even climb one to enjoy sweeping views. Your guide will explain how these buildings were used for protection and status by Chinese families returning from abroad.

Li Garden: the private residence of a wealthy overseas Chinese merchant. The estate beautifully blends classical Chinese gardening principles with Western architectural styles. Wander past koi ponds, rockeries, and covered walkways, then peek inside European-style villas and pavilions. The garden not only reflects personal wealth, but also the global influence brought back by migrants who lived in the Americas and Southeast Asia.

Maxianglong Diaolou Village: one of the most tranquil and poetic Diaolou villages. Nestled in a bamboo forest with winding stone paths and canals, this hidden gem offers a different atmosphere than the other sites. The towers here feel more integrated into nature, reflecting how architecture and landscape harmonize in southern China. It’s the perfect, peaceful conclusion to a full day of exploration.

Chikan Old Town: A riverside community built largely by returning overseas Chinese, Chikan Old Town captures the fusion of East and West. Its historic Qilou buildings — Western-style arcades below with traditional Chinese façades above — create a cinematic backdrop for exploration. As you stroll along the cobbled streets, you’ll pass nostalgic shops, riverside cafés, and vendors selling handmade snacks. The town comes alive with traditional performances: acrobats balancing under lantern light, graceful folk dances, and short stage dramas reenacting stories from the town’s golden age. You may also witness spectacular displays like fire teapot shows and dazzling iron flower sparks lighting up the night sky — powerful reminders of Lingnan artistry and celebration. Chikan is not just a heritage site, but a living stage where Kaiping’s early 20th-century prosperity continues to shine through art and tradition.