Gillick's World Explores China: Hunan, Guangdong and Guanxi | Page 33

Kaiping Diaolou lies two hours south of Guangzhou. The name
“Kaiping” literally means “peaceful new area” and the attraction in this
UNESCO World Heritage site is the “Zili” (self-reliance) Village which
includes 92 houses and 9 watchtowers.
The buildings were
constructed between 1837 and 1912 (Qing Dynasty) as homes for
émigré landlords, with towers to protect their properties against roving
bandits. The reinforced concrete multi-story houses (called ‘diaolou’)
contain period furniture and family memorabilia, while the adjacent
lands are dotted with lotus ponds. Nearby in Li Garden there are
mansions, gardens, a canal, villas, bamboo groves, bridges and
walkways…ideal for sauntering and reflection.