Kaiping, China
Mesa Sister City since 1994
Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra
Architectural Ingenuity & Ancestral Legacy
Kaiping Diaolou – Guardians of Heritage and Home
Since forming a sister city partnership with Mesa in 1994, Kaiping has offered a window into southern China’s rich architectural legacy and global heritage. Known for its iconic Diaolou—multi-story watchtowers that blend Chinese design with Western influences—Kaiping tells a story of resilience, migration, and cross-cultural inspiration. These towers, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were built by returning Chinese expatriates and symbolize both protection and prosperity. Visiting Kaiping is more than a cultural exchange—it’s a journey through history, identity, and the powerful bonds forged across borders.
Heritage Preserved in Stone & Spirit
Kaiping’s Village Towers – A Living Legacy of Chinese Migration
Tucked among the rice paddies and bamboo groves of southern China, Kaiping’s village towers—known as Diaolou—tell stories of migration, innovation, and resilience. Built by overseas Chinese returning home in the early 20th century, these multi-story homes were designed to protect families and honor the architectural influences they encountered abroad. For visitors, walking through villages like Zili or Majianglong is a step back in time—into a world where heritage is proudly built into the landscape.