Helen Bergh Hotel

Language

by Kaiping

The city of Kaiping have three different Chinese Dialect frequently used. There is Cantonese, the local Kaiping dialect and Mandarin. The locals can usually speak with all three while most workers in restaurants will speak only Mandarin. English is unknown to most people and only a few hotel staff may know.

Kaiping - World Heritage site

by johnmperry

"Diaolou"

Kaiping is famous for its 'diaolou' (towers). I thought they would be from several centuries, but although there is one old one, nearly all were built between 1920 and early 1930's.

They were built as family homes by local returning from having made money overseas: US, Mexico, Australia, Malaya etc. Presumably they were built vertically to reduce the amount of agricultural land needed. (Not a consideration these days!)

There are 1833, but most of them are in too dangerous a condition. There are a handful open to the public. Again, a little disappointing, because as per usual Chinese behaviour, once built they were not maintained at all.

"Disposition"

The towers are predominantly in a few clusters. There is Zili village to the north of the district; Majianglong to the south; and a few more scattered isolated buildings.

It is curious why these buildings were built - after all, there were many Chinese returning all over China rich with the money they had made abroad, yet only in this district were toweres built.

They are described as initially defensive against bandits. Certainly they are difficult to enter and easily defended; also having a perimeter wall. But there must have been an inordinately number of bandits in that part of China!

"Other local amenities"

If you're making a tour of the district, you could also visit the Chikan Film & TV studios.