Diaolou (simplified Chinese: 碉楼; traditional Chinese: 碉樓) are fortified multi-storey watchtowers in rural villages, generally made of reinforced concrete. These towers are located mainly in Kaiping, Guangdong province, China. [1]

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storeyed defensive village houses in Kaiping, which display a complex and flamboyant fusion of Chinese and Western structural and decorative forms.

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (开平碉楼), located in Kaiping (Hoi Ping), Jiangmen, Guangdong, China, has been collected in the 31st UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list since June, 2007, from which it became the first world heritage site about overseas Chinese in the whole China.

The Kaiping Diaolou and Villages comprise fortified multi-story towers, built by returning Chinese immigrants from America, Canada, Hong Kong and Malaysia. They display a fusion of Chinese and Western decorative forms.

The Kaiping Diaolou, multi-storied buildings scattered around Kaiping County, were listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2007 as China's 35th World Heritage Site.

Known locally as the Kaiping Diaolou, these unique, multi-story watchtowers were used as fortifications in the 17th century. Now a world UNESCO Heritage site, they are some of the most fascinating historical and architectural artifacts in China.

Apr 20, 2021 · The diaolous of Kaiping are fascinating marvels which tell the tale of a village that was deeply affected by Western influences and local needs. At the height of their construction, diaolou were seen as as testimony to the village’s wealth and social cohesion in the face of dangerous circumstances.

What are the Diaolou in Kaiping? The Kaiping Diaolous and Villages are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see in China for anyone visiting the Guangdong province. They are easily reached from Guangzhou or Macau (keep in mind you need a China visa if coming from Macau) or, as I did, from Foshan.

Jul 10, 2024 · Kaiping Diaolou and Villages offer an unforgettable travel experience that transcends mere sightseeing. By immersing yourself in its rich history, architectural marvels, and vibrant culture, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of …

Mar 5, 2025 · As Guangdong's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are a unique fusion of East and West, and a testament to the deep connection that overseas Chinese feel to their homeland.