Chikan Ancient Town

Updated 2026-04-20

A riverside town plenty of cinematic nostalgia and overseas Chinese history

Chikan Ancient Town
City
Jiangmen
Address
Chikan Ancient Town, Kaiping City, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province

Located along the Tan River in Kaiping, Chikan Ancient Town is one of the most atmospheric historic towns in Guangdong. With a history of over 350 years, it flourished as a trading hub and a hometown for many overseas Chinese.
The town is famous for its long rows of qilou stretching along the riverbanks, creating a special streetscape that blends Chinese and Western architectural influences under a nostalgic atmosphere making it a specific place for filmmakers.

One of the largest clusters of qilou buildings in China

- Covered walkways lining both sides of the river
- Elegant façades with Southeast Asian and European touches
- A nostalgic setting often used in films and TV dramas (vintage shop signs, old teahouses and markets)
Image202604201719062085.jpg
#### Photo credit : @BaiLing, rednote ID 4178659919
Many buildings were funded by emigrants returning from Southeast Asia, giving the town a cosmopolitan character.

What to Do

  • Walk along the arcade streets & take photos by the river
  • Explore historic shops and old residences
  • Enjoy local Cantonese flavors and tea

### Nearby Attractions
- Kaiping Diaolou
- Li Garden : a beautiful Chinese-Western garden estate

More about Jiangmen