Kaiping & Taishan Diaolou and Villages Tour

Guangzhou , China

Kaiping & Taishan Diaolou and Villages Tour

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11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Kaiping & Taishan Diaolou and Villages Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Gasoline

Air-conditioned vehicle

Additional driver (when there are 4 or more people)

Professional tour guide

Parking Fees

Detailed 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!

Discover the fascinating history of Taishan, a place that has drawn overseas Chinese back to their roots thanks to its railway. Join us as we visit one of the historic railway station sites, where you can witness the remarkable transformations over the years. Uncover the captivating stories that accompany this journey and experience the rich heritage of Taishan!

Continue to the Moon village and explore one of the most impressive watchtowers which were built in the early 1920s. They were built by returning Chinese migrants who incorporated Western-inspired features in their design. Inspect the different styles of the towers close up, and head inside to absorb the interiors and bird’s-eye views from the rooftops.

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.

This is optional. This hot spring is a natural sulfur spring that locals have enjoyed since childhood, and it has a history of several decades. According to locals, this old spring was originally used as a bathhouse for the villagers, and it was renovated in the 1980s with donations from overseas Chinese. If you would like to include a hot spring experience in your itinerary, please remember to bring a swimsuit and towel, and let us know in advance when booking.

What's not included

Admission Tickets

Lunch

Optional hot spring tickets are 35 RMB per person.

Available languages

Guide guide

YUE EN ZH-CN

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

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, known as Canton, is a vibrant metropolis in southern China, renowned for its rich history, bustling markets, and iconic Cantonese cuisine. As a major commercial and cultural hub, it offers a unique blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Canton Tower

The Canton Tower is an iconic landmark and one of the tallest towers in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city and has a variety of entertainment options, including a revolving restaurant and an observation deck.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥150-200

Shamian Island

Shamian Island is a historic area known for its colonial-era buildings and serene environment. It's a great place to learn about Guangzhou's past and enjoy a peaceful walk along the Pearl River.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a beautifully preserved example of traditional Lingnan architecture. It houses a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Chen Clan, one of the most influential clans in Guangdong.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥10

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain is a scenic area known for its lush greenery and panoramic views of Guangzhou. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty just outside the city.

Nature Half-day Free (cable car costs ¥25)

Shanghai Street

Shanghai Street is a bustling commercial area known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place to experience the local culture and enjoy some shopping.

Cultural 2-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dim Sum

A variety of small dishes served in bamboo steamers, including dumplings, buns, and rolls. Dim sum is a must-try for any visitor to Guangzhou.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian and vegan options available

Roast Duck

Cantonese-style roast duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with a sweet and savory sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Wonton Noodle Soup

A comforting bowl of noodles with wontons, typically served in a clear broth made from pork or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Chai Ming

A traditional Cantonese dessert made from sticky rice, sugar, and various fillings, such as lotus paste or sesame paste.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Baiyun Mountain Cycling around Shamian Island Tea tasting at a traditional teahouse Beach relaxation in Zhuhai Exploring the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Watching a Cantonese opera performance Boat cruise on the Pearl River Visiting the Canton Tower for panoramic city views

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Cantonese, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guangzhou is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like DiDi to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious of street vendors and markets, as prices may be inflated for tourists

Getting there

By air

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou East Railway Station

By bus

Guangzhou Bus Station, Tianhe Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Guangzhou Metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It consists of multiple lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Tianhe Liwan Zhengjia Haizhu

Day trips

Shenzhen

120 km from Guangzhou • Full day

Shenzhen is a modern metropolis known for its futuristic architecture, vibrant shopping scene, and as the gateway to Hong Kong.

Zhuhai

140 km from Guangzhou • Full day

Zhuhai is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches, scenic islands, and the famous Zhuhai Fisher Girl Statue.

Foshan

30 km from Guangzhou • Half day

Foshan is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional Cantonese opera, and the famous Ancestral Temple.

Festivals

Canton Fair • April and October (two sessions per year) Guangzhou International Light Festival • December Lunar New Year • January or February (based on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Use the Guangzhou Metro and public transportation system to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Try local Cantonese dishes and street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Visit popular attractions during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and long lines.
Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors and markets, as they may not accept large bills or credit cards.