Jiangmen, China

Jiangmen, situated at the southern part of Guangdong Province, governs three districts Jianghai, Pengjiang and Xinhui and four counties Enping, Heshan, Kaiping and Taishan. It is one of the famous hometowns of overseas Chinese people. As a tourist destination, Jiangmen boasts the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, the newly nominated World Cultural Heritage of China. The attractions of Jiangmen are located in Kaiping, Xinhui, Enping and Taishan. Built in the late period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Kaiping Diaolou is a special complex representing a mixed style of Chinese and western architecture. With the development of the overseas Chinese culture in the early 20th century, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages became a highlight of the regional culture. Actually, the blockhouse-like constructions used to be the sheltering harbors of the local residents. On average, each village has at least one Diaolou building and there are totally 1,833 buildings. It is suggested that the best way to travel the villages is by bike. Here are two itineraries for visitors to choose: the first one, to go through the Chikan Town, Baihe Town and Xiangang Town; the other one, to visit the Tangkou Town.