UNESCO trip n°2 : road to Kaiping Diaolou

We take you from Guangzhou to Jiangmen to discover UNESCO-listed Kaiping Diaolou watchtowers, elegant Lingnan gardens and the cinematic streets of Chikan Ancient Town, before exploring the traditional craftsmanship of Chenpi Village.

Guangzhou → Jiangmen

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## Day 1 : Guangzhou's Cantonese Heritage and Riverside Nights
#### Guangzhou Baiyun Airport → Shamian Island
(60 - 90 min) Metro Line 3 → transfer to Line 1 at Tiyu Xilu → Huangsha Station, then walk to Shamian Island

Shamian Island

Explore Shamian’s historic European-style architecture and leafy streets, that formerly was a French concession in the heart of Guangzhou.

#### Shamian Island → Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
(25 - 35 min) taxi, or walk to Huangsha Station → Metro Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy Station

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Visit the also called Chen Clan Academy, famous for its intricate Cantonese carvings, traditional architecture and typical decorative roof sculptures.

🥢Dim Sum : our recommandation → (15 - 25 min) to a traditional Cantonese teahouse in Liwan District

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#### Liwan / Chen Clan Academy → Pearl River
(20 - 30 min) taxi to the Tianzi Wharf area

Pearl River Waterfront

Take an evening walk along the river or enjoy a Pearl River night cruise for views of Guangzhou’s illuminated skyline or climb the Canton Tower (600m) to access an unbeatable panorama on the surroundings.

🌙 Five Rams City Hotel

## Day 2 : From Guangzhou to Jiangmen
#### Guangzhou → Kaiping South Station
(1h - 1h15) High-speed train Guangzhou South Railway Station → Kaiping South Station or (2 - 2h30 only by car to go directly to Zili Village)

Kaiping Diaolou

#### Kaiping South Station → Zili Village
(45 min taxi)

Zili Village

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Zili Village is the most visited area of UNESCO-listed diaolous of Kaiping : around 1800 structures, mostly fortified towers blending Chinese and Western architectural influences, built by overseas Chinese families.

#### Zili Village → Li Garden
(25 - 35 min by car)

Li Garden

Photos of Li Garden by xiquinhosilva (CC License by 2.0)

An elegant garden estate integrating traditional Chinese landscaping to the emblematic villas of Kaiping.

#### Li Garden → Kaiping City
(30 min by car)

🌙 Kaiping Tangxin Hotel

Day 3 : Jiangmen, beyond Kaiping Diaolou

#### Kaiping City → Chikan Ancient Town
(20 - 30 min by car)

Chikan Ancient Town

Chikan Ancient Town, with its historic arcades buildings, riverside streets and restored old-town architecture that create a cinematic atmosphere will gives you a nostalgic vibe while traveling it.

#### Chikan Ancient Town → Xinhui Chenpi Village
(1h–1h30 by car)

Chenpi Village

Located in Xinhui county, this cultural and commercial centre is dedicated to chenpi : dried mandarin peel, a prized ingredient in Cantonese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine.

#### Chenpi Village → Jiangmen East Railway Station
(30 - 45 min by car) to connect to your onward destination by rail, or return to Guangzhou if continuing your journey

More about Jiangmen