Diaolou, Historic watchtowers in Kaiping, China
Diaolou are multi-story concrete towers scattered throughout villages in Kaiping County, Guangdong Province, ranging from three to nine floors tall. Each tower displays varied architectural features and sizes across the different village settlements.
These towers were built during the late Qing Dynasty and early 1900s, funded by returning Chinese emigrants from overseas. They served to protect local villages from flooding and armed conflicts.
These towers blend Chinese architectural traditions with Western design elements that reflect the cross-cultural connections of overseas Chinese communities. The mixed style is visible in the decorative details and building layouts.
The towers are scattered across the countryside, so local transportation is needed to visit them. It helps to research the specific locations of different towers before planning your route.
The Ruishui Diaolou, built in 1921, stands as the tallest among the remaining towers with nine levels and mixed architectural styles. Its exceptional height and design make it stand out from the other structures.
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