99% of people don't know Guangdong hides such a "Little Rome"

🌾 Kaiping | Discover century-old watchtowers and relive Lingnan's bygone era ——Here, time flows with coffee aromas under arcades and watchtower reflections in rice fields When the rainy season arrives in Lingnan, Dewdrops form on the wrought-iron window grilles of watchtowers, Like the homesick tears of that Nanyang craftsman, Forever embedded in the concrete a century ago. 🛤️ Are you ready to open this door to the past? 📅 Best travel seasons - Golden October (golden rice fields + cool weather) - March spring (sea of rapeseed flowers + watchtower reflections) - Avoid: Frequent rainstorms June-August, some rural roads prone to flooding 🚗 Transportation guide 1️⃣ Self-drive (recommended) - 1.5-2 hours from Guangzhou/Shenzhen - Navigation: Set to "Zilicun Visitor Center" first (parking ¥10/day) - Rural roads are narrow, recommended for experienced drivers 2️⃣ Public transport - High-speed rail to "Kaiping South Station", then taxi to scenic area (~¥30) - Shuttle bus route: Chikan Old Town ↔ Li Garden ↔ Zilicun (every 15 mins) 🎫 Tickets & itineraries ▫️ Must-buy combo ticket (valid 2 days) Zilicun + Li Garden + Majianglong + Jinjiangli = ¥180 (saves ¥60 vs separate tickets) ▫️ Classic one-day route Morning: Zilicun (watchtowers in morning mist) → Li Garden (overseas Chinese garden) Afternoon: Chikan Old Town (lunch under arcades) → Majianglong (bamboo forest watchtowers) Evening: Tangkou Cultural Zone (watchtower coffee + sunset) ▫️ In-depth two-day trip Day 2 additions: Jinjiangli (magnificent Ruishi Tower) → Xiangang Town (undeveloped watchtowers) → Stay in watchtower B&B 🏡 Unique accommodations 1️⃣ Diaomin Tribe (inside Zilicun) - Converted from real watchtowers, sleep within century-old concrete - ~¥400/night including breakfast 2️⃣ Chikan Meitang Hotel - Next to Situ Meitang's former residence, Republic-era style - Perfect for night exploration of old town 3️⃣ Tangkou Space Youth Hostel - Converted granary LOFT, ideal for backpackers - Beds ¥80/person 🍜 Local food guide 【Breakfast】 - Magang laifen (with pork liver & lean meat) → Try at "Magang Lianxing Restaurant" - Fried tofu pockets (best at Chikan old street stalls) 【Main meals】 - Eel claypot rice (firewood stove at Chikan's "Wanli Restaurant") - Kaiping dog meat (winter specialty, most authentic at "Longtang Dog Meat") 【Desserts】 - Tangerine peel red bean soup (using Xinhui 5-year-aged peel) - Watchtower ice cream (exclusive at Li Garden) 📸 Secret photo spots 1️⃣ Top floor of Mingshi Tower in Zilicun - Capture rice fields + watchtower panorama (additional ¥20 tower fee) 2️⃣ Reflection pool before Ruishi Tower in Jinjiangli - Magical reflections at 6-7am 3️⃣ Arched granary in Tangkou Town - Industrial architecture + watchtowers in one frame ❗ Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Beware "free guide" villagers who may push purchases 2. Some Chikan Old Town areas charge (¥60), outer old streets are free 3. Non-combo watchtowers (like Nanlou) offer poor value, choose carefully 🌇 Sunset surprise When dusk paints Majianglong's watchtowers gold, Look for English initials carved in window frames— These are century-old messages from overseas Chinese, Etching their homesickness in concrete.