3. The Kaiping Diaolou Watchtowers, Guangdong Province
Photo: kevinpoh
The Diaolou watchtowers are a collection of 3-story towers built in the Guangdong countryside in the early 20th century as fortifications against invasion. These buildings perform not only a protective but also an aesthetic function. The architecture famously blends the best of the Roman, Greek, and Islamic architectural styles.
Diaolou was built on the outskirts of the villages. In the event of an attack, the peasants, along with their livestock and belongings, could have time to hide behind reliable walls. Moreover, wealthy families could afford to have their own fortified mansions.
After the original purpose of the Diaolou watchtowers lost their meaning, many of them are now empty. Some perfectly coexist with modern buildings. Some Diaolou houses private hotels and museums.
The architectural monument of the Chinese Diaolou is included by the UNESCO committee in the list of cultural heritage sites of humanity. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places in China.
