Kaiping's Diaolou Towers & Rural Guangdong Charm

Rural China Wasn’t on Our List… Until Now 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:GuangzhouPopulation:18.7 million

Alan & Shannon2025-07-0338 min

In this video, we hop on a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Kaiping — a lesser-known gem tucked away in southern China. Our journey takes us through an ancient town filled with history and character, before exploring the legendary Kaiping Diaolous — mysterious multi-storey watchtowers built to protect local families. From beautiful old architecture to raw, rural charm, this part of Rural China is unlike anything we've experienced before. If you're looking for hidden gems in China or want to see the real Cantonese countryside, this one's for you.

--- Alan & Shannon

July 3, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

0:00High-speed rail journey begins
1:07Arrival at remote station
2:29Reaching the hotel
4:05Search for ancient town
6:18Dinner at local restaurant
12:57Exploring abandoned village
17:41Discovering Kaiping Diaolous
18:11Meeting local auntie
28:53Entering Diaolou for a tour
37:10Reflecting on the adventure

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Alan and Shannon's unexpected adventure in rural China unveils the captivating charm of Kaiping. Their high-speed train journey from Guangzhou leads them to an ancient town brimming with history, where they discover the enigmatic Kaiping Diaolous—multi-story watchtowers guarding local families. This off-the-beaten-path exploration showcases breathtaking architecture and the authentic beauty of the Cantonese countryside, promising a unique travel experience.