Jiangmen: Diaolou, Hot Springs & Coastal Scenery
Jiangmen sits on the western bank of China's vibrant Pearl River Delta and is proudly known as the "Hometown of Overseas Chinese." For centuries, it was the departure point for millions of Chinese who set sail in search of new lives abroad, shaping the city’s rich and distinctive cultural identity. Today, Jiangmen is best known for the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scattered across peaceful countryside, these striking watchtowers blend Chinese and Western architectural styles and quietly tell the stories of the overseas Chinese, captivating travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions & Must-Do Experiences
Jiangmen offers a wide range of experiences - from world heritage sites to coastal escapes. Choose what suits your interests best:
UNESCO World Heritage
Kaiping Diaolou & Villages (Zili, Majianglong, etc.) - Iconic fortified towers blending Chinese and Western styles, scattered among rice fields - powerful symbols of overseas Chinese history.
History & Old Towns
Chikan Overseas Chinese Town - Over 600 century-old arcade buildings create an immersive walk through classic overseas-Chinese life.
Sanshisanxu Street (33 Market Street) - The birthplace of Jiangmen's old town, known for traditional arcades and as a filming location for The Knockout.
Museum of Overseas Chinese (China Qiaodu Museum) - A great place to understand the journeys and stories of Chinese emigrants.
Nature & Relaxation
Gulao Water Town - One of the best-preserved Lingnan water towns-explore canals by boat.
Shangchuan & Xiachuan Islands - Clean beaches, clear waters, sunshine, and fresh seafood-perfect for a seaside break.
Gudou Hot Spring Resort - Enjoy the rare "two springs in one place": ocean hot springs and radon hot springs.
Local Flavors & Crafts
Xinhui Aged Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) - A national geographic-indication product-visit Chenpi villages, learn the process, and taste Chenpi cuisine.
Overseas-Chinese Cuisine - Don't miss Gujing roast goose, Taishan eel rice, and Hetang fish cakes.
Business & Industrial Tourism
CRRC Jiangmen Base - Visit modern high-speed train manufacturing lines and experience the pace of "Made in China."
Creative Industrial Parks - Jianghui 57 Creative Park (former bicycle factory) and Jiangmen Shipyard 1954 blend industrial heritage with art, cafés, and design spaces.
3-Day / 2-Night Highlights Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Jiangmen's old town and The Knockout filming spots, visit the Overseas Chinese Museum, and enjoy the Changdi waterfront at night.
Day 2: Discover the UNESCO-listed Kaiping Diaolou, then stroll Chikan Overseas Chinese Town and relax at Gudou Hot Springs.
Day 3: Cruise through Gulao Water Town, then choose between Xinhui Chenpi Village or Taishan's overseas-Chinese mansions.
Getting There & Getting Around
By Air:
Jiangmen does not have its own airport, but it's easy to reach via nearby hubs such as Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), and Zhuhai Jinwan (ZUH) airports. Several city airport terminals in Jiangmen (e.g. Xinhui Coach Station) offer direct airport shuttle buses.
By Train:
Jiangmen Railway Station: The main high-speed rail station, with easy connections to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and other Greater Bay Area cities.
Kaiping South Station: Convenient for visiting the Kaiping Diaolou heritage sites.
Local Transport:
Travel between districts is mainly by long-distance buses. For visiting scattered attractions like the Diaolou villages, private car or chartered transport is the most flexible and comfortable option.
Best Time to Visit
Best seasons: Autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) are ideal, with mild temperatures and pleasant weather. In autumn, golden rice fields set against the Diaolou towers create especially beautiful scenery.
Other seasons: Summer (June–August) can be hot but is great for island trips. Winter is mild and perfect for enjoying hot springs.
Must-Try Local Food
Known as a "Hometown of World-Class Chefs," Jiangmen offers rich and distinctive local flavors:
Gujing Roast Goose: Roasted over lychee wood, famous for its crispy skin and juicy meat.
Taishan Eel Rice: Rice cooked with eel and eel broth, fragrant and savory, with a prized crispy crust.
Dried Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) Cuisine: Creative dishes like Chenpi pork ribs and Chenpi duck soup, with a unique aroma.
Wudong Beef Hotpot: A popular local favorite in Pengjiang District, known for fresh, hand-cut beef at affordable prices.
High-End Hotels & Boutique Stays
Yuequan Santorini Cave Hot Spring Villas (Taishan): A stylish boutique stay, each villa featuring a private hot spring pool.
Yijia Ren Riverside Courtyard: A charming boutique guesthouse with traditional Chinese courtyard design.
Crowne Plaza Jiangmen Poly: An international-brand hotel in Pengjiang District, ideal for city stays.
Gudou Hot Spring Royal SPA Hotel: Located inside the Gudou Hot Spring Resort, perfect for relaxation and wellness.
