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when you think of a small town, what is your first impression? is it noisy and run-down? or is it leisurely and quaint? the small town we are going to talk about today is...it may subvert your imagination...

from mafengwo user @我是040ling~

i dare say,you will never see such a small town anywhere else.：it allows the past and the present to coexist in one place; it integrates the west, southeast asia and traditional china in one building.; it is both old-fashioned and fashionable; it accepts everything while sticking to its traditional heart.

from mafengwo user @刘一瞬

it is guangdongkaiping！

kaiping belongs to jiangmen, which has five counties under its jurisdiction, including xinhui, taishan, kaiping, enping and heshan. it is a famous hometown of overseas chinese in china. according to statistics, there are nearly four million overseas chinese with their ancestral home in the five county, most of whom are distributed in america and southeast asia.

from mafengwo user @sharon郭晓琳

in the wuyi area, especially in kaiping, the unique geographical and cultural environment has createda multi-story tower-style rural building that combines defense and residential functions.diaolouthey are scattered across the fields and countryside of kaiping, becoming kaiping’s biggest business card.

from mafengwo user @刘一瞬sharon郭晓琳

these diaolou were built by overseas chinese a hundred years ago.the barriers are strong and beautiful, grafting western architectural elements onto chinese-style towers.it is not only a rare architectural wonder, but also a precious world heritage.。

from mafengwo user @sharon郭晓琳

the rustic yet fashionable watchtowers, built one after another on the land of kaiping, have made kaiping visible to the world!

but kaiping is not only about diaolou.fascinating local customs, idyllic scenery with fragrant rice and wind, avant-garde art that is always being explored, fragrant magang goose, and authentic clay pot rice, are attracting people to return.

from mafengwo user @eli

from mafengwo user @eli

01

behind the extreme mix and match style is top pragmatism

kaiping diaolou

in the countryside of kaiping, you can often see toweringthis multi-story tower-style rural residence is a building with ancient roman, baroque and gothic styles used for defense.diaolouits history can be traced back to the late ming and early qing dynasties.there were more than 3,000 diaolou in its heyday, and 1,833 of them are still well preserved., is a model of the integration of chinese and western cultures in overseas chinese!

from mafengwo user @sharon郭晓琳

after the opium war, many people in the wuyi area of ​​jiangmen chose to leave their homes and go abroad to make a living. after returning home in glory, most overseas chinese would do three major things: get married, buy land, and build a house.

therefore, these western-style buildings from thousands of miles away were brought to the countryside of kaiping after being combined with the characteristics of floods and banditry in their hometown.

from mafengwo user @sharon郭晓琳

as professor zhang guoxiong said: "it (diaolou) is not a cultural transplant, but a cultural absorption and creation... this kind of architecture that is neither chinese nor western is unique in the world and has greater global significance.

then,jinjiangli, majianglong, zili village and sanmenlithese four places"kaiping diaolou and villages"representative, selected as a world cultural heritage, becoming the first "world heritage" in guangdong province。

from mafengwo user @无敌小白兔

zili village

zili village is one of the villages with the most and most concentrated diaolou in kaiping area., a total offifteen diaolou were included in the world heritage listto be more precise, there are nine watchtowers and six huts, of which the earliest one is longsheng tower, which was built in 1917.

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

these towers are not only stunning in appearance, but the furniture, daily necessities, production tools, etc. inside are also well preserved. stepping into one is like truly entering the magnificent history of the republic of china.

from mafengwo user @雅恩

also, please note that not all diaolou are open to the public!mingshi tower, yeshengjulu, lanshengjulu。

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

it became famous because it was the filming location of the movie "let the bullets fly".mingshilouit is the most famous watchtower in zili village today, and also the most exquisite and tallest one.

from mafengwo user @彪标

the watchtower has 6 floors, divided into the main building and the annex. many of the furniture and even the glass windows and door materials are imported. there are also many details in the design, even an escape window. the top floor has a wide view. standing on it, you can see the surrounding pastoral scenery at a glance.

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

jinjiangli

jinjiangli is a special existence among the kaiping diaolou. it is very small, with onlyruishi building, jinjiang building, shengfeng buildingthere are three towers standing side by side, butin terms of the scale and exquisiteness of a single building, jinjiangli is definitely the best!

from mafengwo user @明明

another advantage isfew people and quietthe entire watchtower is hidden in the lush bamboo forest, like a mysterious hut in the forest. aboriginal people still live in the village. while it has a strong western style, it also retains the original pastoral scenery.

from mafengwo user @明明

especially"ruishilou,it is the tallest and most beautiful watchtower in kaiping, and a typical example of the perfect combination of chinese and western architectural styles. it is known as the "no. 1 building in kaiping". the 9-story mixed-style watchtower is gorgeous and exquisite. no matter where you look in the village, you can't ignore its existence.

from mafengwo user @明明

rui shi tower is still looked after by its descendants. the owner will enthusiastically explain the history of the building. after listening to the explanation, rui shi tower is no longer just a cold building, but also the past of a family and several generations. at the same time, it also records the changes of time.

from mafengwo user @明明

liyuan

liyuan is a private garden built by mr. xie weili, an overseas chinese in the united states, over a period of ten years.completed in 1936.

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

the garden is modeled after the grand view garden depicted in a dream of red mansions. it combines the charm of classical gardens with the contemporary popular villa architectural features in europe and the united states. it is first-class among the gardens built privately by overseas chinese in china. the movie the grandmaster was filmed in the garden.

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

the layout of the park is divided into three areas: the big garden, the small garden and the villa area, which are separated by artificial rivers or walls and connected by bridges or corridors. it can be said that there is a garden within a garden. the calligraphy and couplets inlaid in it by famous masters add rich cultural connotations to the park. the large number of exquisite gray sculptures and murals full of romantic and legendary colors make people feel as if they are in fairyland.

from mafengwo user @无敌小白兔

the villa area is the main body of the garden, with six tall and straight villas with unique styles and an ancient watchtower. it is where the owner's brothers, uncles and aunts live on a daily basis.

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

the large garden is located behind the villa area. it is surrounded by towering ancient trees and green trees. it is a perfect combination of classic and modern. walking in it, you will feel like you have walked into the royal garden of a european city.

from mafengwo user @fiorelady

ma jianglong

majianglong was built in the late qing dynasty and early republic of china., praised by un experts as“the most beautiful village in the world”one.

there are 7 well-preserved watchtowers and 8 western-style villas in the village., like a string of pearls, are scattered among the ancient trees and bamboos. the watchtowers are integrated with the surrounding houses and the natural environment.

from mafengwo user @一叶莲

tianlu buildingit is the most imposing tower in majianglong. it was built in 1925 by 29 households of villagers. it is a typical "public tower". it is also the tallest watchtower in the village, with 7 floors and 21 meters high, and is a reinforced concrete structure.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan

currently open to the public are:"junlu", "changlu" and "linlu"they are all exquisite buildings, and the furniture inside can still reflect the living habits of overseas chinese at that time.

from mafengwo user @尼诺

sanmenli village

there is only one tower in sanmenli village, but it isthe earliest existing diaolou in kaiping"welcomedragon towerhistorically known as the dragon tower。

during the jiajing period of the ming dynasty, the seventeenth ancestor of the guan family, guan shengtu and his wife donated their family savings to build the yinglong tower. it is three stories high, 456 square meters wide and 11.4 meters high, and is a brick and wood structure. the first and second floors are built with large red mud bricks from the ming dynasty, with a wall thickness of 93 centimeters, and the third floor was built with blue bricks.

from mafengwo user @late autumn

yinglong tower is the most original model of kaiping diaolou, representing the early form of kaiping diaolou and is well preserved.

canadian village

canada village is just across from sanmenli village. the buildings in the village were planned by a famous canadian architect.there are 10 ancient dwellings, 1 watchtower and 1 clubhouse.most of them were built in the 1920s and 1930s. these buildings are a combination of chinese and western styles, integrating traditional chinese gray sculptures, roman columns, round arches, flower carvings and other architectural arts, and are very beautiful.

in the 1950s, the villagers hurriedly bid farewell to their hometown and immigrated to canada and the united states with their families, leaving the village deserted.

from mafengwo user @late autumn

02

interesting architecture, pioneering experiments and mixed nature

internet celebrity kaiping

chikan ancient town

chikan ancient town was first built during the shunzhi period of the qing dynasty, and has a history of more than 300 years.more than 600 arcades have been preserved.it is the largest and best-preserved ancient arcade building complex in the hometown of overseas chinese in china.its architectural style, which combines chinese and western characteristics, is worth seeing.

from mafengwo user @雅恩

the ancient town is built along the tan river, with villages on the south bank and cities on the north bank. the town is full of arcades, like an international architecture museum.movies such as "the grandmaster", "let the bullets fly", and "drunken master 2" were filmed here.。

from mafengwo user @雅恩karena-排骨

the narrow staircases, the catholic church, the lianchuan situ temple, the dixi road arcades, etc. are all check-in spots worthy of in-depth exploration. wandering in the quaint streets, you may come across various performances at any time, including the intangible cultural heritage of iron flower, yingge dance, wing chun, lion dance performances, musical instruments, etc., which are all very exciting.

from mafengwo user@boundlessroaming

recommended route: ticket checking hall - chuxin bridge - chikan town station - christian church - former site of the electric light invention company - narrow stairs - former site of lingtong telephone company - former site of kangle academy - datong theater - former site of chikan cinema - open-air plaza - san francisco hotel - lianchuan situ temple - guan clan ancestral hall - kaiping guild hall - chizi plaza - queen's bar - stage plaza - nanyang bridge - catholic church - chikan town station (return to the starting point)

from mafengwo user @少女出逃日记

pioneer bookstore - world granary

the first pioneer bookstore in guangdong，it was once praised by cnn in the united states as "the most beautiful bookstore in china" and by bbc in the united kingdom as "one of the top ten most beautiful bookstores in the world".

the bookstore was converted from five abandoned granaries. its exterior is very recognizable and its interior is well designed, including a spiral staircase, a curved reading space, a fully glass-lined cafe, etc. every corner is designed to be open and comfortable.

from mafengwo user @陈大鱼🐟

the bookstore is filled with a wide variety of cultural and creative products, and the walls are covered with event posters from pioneer bookstores in various regions, including concerts and book clubs.

from mafengwo user @陈大鱼🐟

peacock lake

kaiping peacock lake, also known as dashahe reservoir, is about 38 kilometers away from the city. it is an artificial lake built in 1958. the wetland area is 2051.2 hectares, and the wetland rate is about 80.3%.the third largest reservoir in jiangmen city.

the entire lake is surrounded by mountains and shaded by green trees. the lake water is as clear as a mirror. there are 152 islands of various sizes scattered in the lake. these islands are like peacock feathers, so it is named "peacock lake".

03

ancient method, tradition, time-honored brand, simple taste that conquers the stomachs of the elderly

kaiping food

if kaiping's combination of western and local customs is something people "can't leave", then kaiping's food and drink are something people "can't live without".

the cantonese, hakka and tanka flavors collide and merge here, forming kaiping's unique food culture. although it looks unremarkable, it hides surprising surprises.

from mafengwo user @美少女雪儿

chikan firewood claypot rice

as a representative of guangdong cuisine, clay pot rice can be found everywhere in guangdong, but few people know that the most delicious clay pot rice is actually hidden in the small city of kaiping.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan

chikan firewood clay pot rice,famous for the most varieties, the strongest flavor, the best preparation method and the most delicious flavor, which can be regarded as the best cantonese clay pot rice.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan

there are two main reasons why it is delicious.first, the ingredients are richthere are chinese sausage rice, cured meat rice, cured duck rice, eel rice, catfish rice, loach rice, chicken rice, frog rice, beef rice, seafood rice, etc.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan

second, they use traditional firewood to burn, the cooked rice will be more fragrant and have a better rice flavor. especially the "rice burnt" layer close to the bottom of the pot, with a slightly burnt smell, a strong meaty aroma, and crispy and delicious.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan

magang goose

magang goose is a specialty of magang, kaiping.the first of guangdong's four famous geese，the characteristics are fine meat texture, moderate fat, no fishy smell, rich meat flavor, and one bite will make you "sacred"。

the famous cantonese dish gujing roast goose uses magang goose, but there is more to magang goose than gujing roast goose. there are five-flavor goose, white-cut goose, soy sauce goose, and the quality of goose meat makes magang goose the best choice for any goose dish.

from mafengwo user @xiang翔哥

the most recommended is boiled goose in salt water and chopped into piecesduring the production process, the original flavor of "goose" is retained as much as possible. not only is it not greasy at all, but it is extremely delicious. after taking a bite, you will be filled with joy.

from mafengwo user @xiang翔哥

magang rice noodles

when eating magang goose, don't forget to add a bowl of magang rice noodles. the two are a perfect match., and it is also the most authentic standard partner in kaiping.

image from @dongguan daily

the best magang rice noodles can only be made with magang goose soup. the ingredients such as magang goose and spareribs are boiled for more than ten hours. the goose soup is fragrant and sweet, and the vermicelli is soft and chewy. after sipping a bowl, you will feel greatly satisfied immediately.

image from @dongguan daily

crucian carp porridge

guangdong people love to eat porridge. kaiping’s specialty iscrucian carp bone porridge，the chef separates the fish meat from the bones when processing crucian carp. the fish meat is sliced ​​and cooked in a clay pot, while the fish body with bones is steamed., achieving “killing two birds with one stone”.

from mafengwo user @xiang翔哥

fish porridge is usually made with dried tangerine peel and hair algae. the porridge is soft and smooth, and the fish meat is tender and boneless, making it particularly smooth to drink. the fish body is steamed and served, and the fish meat is very fresh and sweet.

from mafengwo user @xiang翔哥

tofu corner

tofu corners are a famous snack in chikan, kaiping.cut the tender tofu into small squares, quickly spread the fresh fish meat on it, and fry it in a pan until golden brown., you can smell the fragrance from a distance.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan

the tofu corners look burnt on the outside, but they are very smooth and tender on the inside. they taste best when eaten hot. sprinkle them with pepper and chopped green onions, and they are salty, fragrant and slightly spicy. you can't stop eating them one by one.

from mafengwo user @黄太joan