# Kaiping Diaolou (开平碉楼)

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · South China, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/kaiping-diaolou
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Combined ticket ¥180 (includes Liyuan ¥100; Zili Village Diaolou Cluster ¥78; Majianglong Diaolou Cluster ¥50), valid for two days
- **Opening hours:** 8：30—17：30
- **Time needed:** 1 day
- **Getting there:** Many buses run from Kaiping to the famous diaolou and residential sites. You can take a bus from Guangzhou to Kaiping city first, then continue from there. Driving yourself is the most convenient option.
- **Good for:** Architecture, Photography

## About Kaiping Diaolou

The Kaiping Diaolou are located in Kaiping City, under the jurisdiction of Jiangmen. They are a special type of Chinese vernacular architecture that combines defense and living, blending Chinese and Western styles with features of ancient Greek, ancient Roman and Islamic architecture. They have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to research, the Kaiping Diaolou first appeared in the 16th century. Today's clusters include Zili Village, Majianglong and Jinjiangli, along with the Liyuan garden and the Chikan Ancient Town. The towers' architectural styles and decorative arts are wonderfully varied and truly breathtaking.

## Tips from the guidebook

- Zili Village Diaolou Cluster
- Zili Village has the most concentrated group of diaolou in the Kaiping scenic area, with 15 towers in the “Nine Towers and Six Cottages” arrangement. Each has a distinct and exquisitely crafted design. The towers are built among ponds and bamboo groves, with a harmonious, staggered layout and a strong Lingnan rural charm.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 2327. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.