There is no strict demarcation for the area known as South China. The provinces and cities that have been included in this category have varied over the years. Today, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong and Macau make up ‘Southern China’. The most popular tourist destination among these is probably Hong Kong. Hotel rooms on the island took in over sixty million tourists in 2014. Visitors flock to this oriental destination to sample the delectable flavours of street food, visit local markets, behold the country’s historic sites and more. Travelers to the region will find the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong great value without needing to compromise on comfort.
An unconventional way to experience the wonders of China is to hop on a bike and leave the city behind for a few days. Much like the city having plenty in the way of sightseeing and tourist attractions, the rural backroads also hold treasures of their own. A cycling tour company offers guided tours that take you into the villages of the Guangdong Province to explore some intriguing castle-like structures. The three day tour begins in Hong Kong with a ferry ride. The first stop is Jiangmen where a coach awaits to transport the group to Kaiping.
The Kaiping Diaolou as they are known have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Their curious design depicts a blend of Chinese and Western architecture. They were built by the émigré Kaiping people in the 1920s and 1930s. There are three types: communal towers built by groups of families that sought temporary refuge, residential towers that individual rich families resided in and watch towers. The construction used stone, earth, brick or concrete. The designs aimed to retain a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape while protecting the people within from bandits.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
