Kaiping Chikan Ancient Town x First Experience of Diaolou Group

Kaiping Itinerary: Chikan Ancient Town, Liyuan Diaolou, and Zili Village Slow Travel Guide When it comes to Kaiping, besides the must-see Diaolou, the most anticipated area is Chikan Ancient Town, a time-honored neighborhood steeped in history. Here, authentic overseas Chinese culture and quaint houses are preserved, offering both retro art photography and a sense of authentic life. This itinerary, starting in Hong Kong, took me to Chikan Ancient Town, Jinxu Hotel, Liyuan Diaolou, and Zili Village, concluding with a stay at the Huazhu Luxe Fifty-Three Degrees Bamboo B&B. The rural lifestyle, combined with the charm of the Diaolou, offered a perfect blend of photography, experience, and a truly relaxing vacation! Below is an in-depth review of my three-day Kaiping itinerary, along with hand-tested tips and helpful information on accommodations and attractions, ensuring even beginners have a great experience! Highlights of the itinerary: - Chikan Ancient Town is uncrowded, making it a great place for photos; the indoor and outdoor performances are highly recommended. - Jinxu Hotel offers excellent value, with entrance fees included and warm service, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. - A perfect blend of a retro water town, unique watchtowers, and modern B&B design. - Huazhushe B&B offers a rich breakfast and authentic intangible cultural heritage cuisine for dinner. - Liyuan Watchtower and Zili Village Watchtower complexes offer a stunning combination of garden scenery and historic architecture. Recommended three-day itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Hong Kong → Kaiping South → Chikan Ancient Town, check in at Jinxu Hotel. Upon landing in Kaiping, head straight to Chikan Ancient Town, a break from the hustle and bustle of the Pearl River Delta. The town's retro atmosphere is truly captivating, and the old streets and alleys are perfect for photo ops. Whether you're out in a cheongsam or simply snapping a casual street shot, the atmosphere is truly captivating. Jinxu Hotel (No. 1 Dongsheng Road) is conveniently located within the scenic area, making it a great place to take photos. With your own entrance ticket, you can also catch various performances (fire shows, red weddings, etc.). The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of delicious dishes. The staff, especially the front desk staff, are friendly and attentive, offering helpful suggestions that truly enhance your stay. A small tip: While the hotel is new and clean, the breakfast could be improved. It's recommended to arrive early. Day 2-3: Chikan Ancient Town Photos → Huazhu She B&B → Watchtowers Next, continue your leisurely photo journey in Chikan Ancient Town. The area is less crowded, and the morning light is bright, perfect for capturing some pictures of the old streets that capture a sense of life. In the afternoon, head to Huazhu She Fifty-three Degrees Bamboo B&B (No. 8, Building 9, Zuzhai Village, Qiangya Village Committee, Tangkou Town). This B&B is conveniently located near Zili Village, Liyuan, and Chikan Ancient Town. The rooms at the B&B are spacious and comfortable, fully equipped, and the sleep quality is excellent. Breakfast and pastries are all handmade, and the homemade rice cakes and rice noodles are must-try. For dinner, the Magang goose and crucian carp baked rice are the perfect Kaiping specialties, so be sure to leave some space. Tip: The B&B owner is great at recommending scenic spots, and there are also live concerts. Enjoy tea, music, and photos in the courtyard, and immerse yourself in the idyllic atmosphere! A look at the nearby watchtowers (recommended with a B&B tour): - Zili Village Watchtower Cluster (Kaiping Watchtower, Kaiping District, Jiangmen City): Densely clustered watchtowers and magnificent garden scenery. Open 9:10 AM - 5:50 PM. Admission: 78 RMB. Best photos are taken in the morning or evening when the light is soft. - Liyuan Watchtower Cluster (Genghua Village, Tangkou Town): Garden-style beauty combined with historical and cultural heritage. Open 8:55 AM - 5:40 PM. Admission: 100 RMB. - Xianfeng Bookstore: A small, artistic shop nearby, perfect for photos or a break. Food/Transportation Tips: - Don't miss the Kaiping specialty breakfast (Huazhu She B&B's handmade breakfast is highly recommended). - For transportation, Chikan Ancient Town, B&Bs, and the watchtowers all offer shuttles or short taxi rides. Those with less luggage can use B&Bs/hotels to arrange taxis for a smoother journey. - Dress lightly throughout the entire trip, as you'll be walking along the stone paved streets of Kaiping Old Street and visiting the watchtowers, so comfortable shoes are essential. #ChikanAncientTown #KaipingDiaolou #KaipingB&B #KaipingFood #HiddenCheck-in Spot